FLUOCINONIDE

The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. The topical corticosteroids are intended for topical administration. The active component is the corticosteroid fluocinonide, which is the 21-acetate ester of fluocinolone acetonide and has the chemical name pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,21-(acetyloxy)-6,9-difluoro-11-hydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene) bis(oxy)]-,(6α, 11β, 16α)-. It has the following structural formula: C 26 H 32 F 2 0 7 M.W. 494.52 Each gram of Fluocinonide Cream USP, 0.05% (Emulsified Base) contains: 0.5 mg fluocinonide, USP in a water-washable aqueous emollient base of stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, propylene glycol, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, citric acid monohydrate and purified water. Each gram of Fluocinonide Cream USP, 0.05% contains: 0.5 mg fluocinonide, USP in a specially formulated cream base consisting of stearyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol 8000, propylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol and citric acid monohydrate. This white cream vehicle is greaseless, non-staining, anhydrous and completely water miscible. The base provides emollient and hydrophilic properties. In this formulation, the active ingredient is totally in solution. Each gram of Fluocinonide Ointment USP, 0.05% contains: 0.5 mg fluocinonide, USP in an ointment base consisting of white petrolatum, castor oil, and sorbitan sesquioleate. It provides the occlusive and emollient effects desirable in an ointment. In this formulation, the active ingredient is totally in solution. Structural formula for fluocinonide

The topical corticosteriods are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

The topical corticosteroids are generally applied to the affected area as a thin film from two to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions. If an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted.

The topical corticosteriods are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: Burning Perioral dermatitis Itching Allergic contact dermatitis Irritation Maceration of the skin Dryness Secondary infection Folliculitis Skin atrophy Hypertrichosis Striae Acneiform eruptions Miliaria Hypopigmentation