Corticosteroids (Topical)

Low Potency	Medium Potency
High Potency	Very High Potency
Mechanism / Actions
Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2. Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption.

Aclometasone diproprionate (Aclovate ®)

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.05% cream/ointment]

Desonide (DesOwen ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.05% cream]

Flucinolone acetonide (Synalar ® )

Apply 2 to 4 times daily. [0.01% cream/solution]

Hydrocortisone (Hytone ®, Cortaid ®, other):

Apply 3 to 4 times daily. [0.25%--liquid , 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%]

Betamethasone dipropionate (Diprosone ®)

(Lotion 0.05%): apply once or twice daily.

betamethasone valerate:

Apply once or twice daily. [0.1% cream]

clocortolone pivalate (Cloderm ® )

Apply three times daily. [0.1% cream]

desoximetasone (Topicort ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.05% cream]

fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar ® )

Apply 2 to 4 times daily. [0.025% cream]

flurandrenolide (Cordran ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.025% cream/05% cream/oint/lotion]

fluticasone propionate (Cutivate ® )

Apply once or twice daily. [0.05% cream, 0.005% oint]

Chydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.1% oint/soln]

hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.2% cream/oint]

mometasone furoate (Elocon ® )

Apply once daily. [0.1% cream/oint/lotion]

prednicarbate (Dermatop ® )

Apply twice daily. [0.1% cream]

triamcinolone (Aristocort ®, Kenalog ® )

Apply 3 to 4 times daily. [0.025%, 0.1% cream, otion.] 0.5% cream,oint, aerosol]

amcinonide (Cyclocort ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.1% cream/oint/lotion]

augmented betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene ® )

Apply once or twice daily. [ 0.05% cream]

betamethasone dipropionate (Diprosone ® )

Apply once or twice daily. [0.05% cream,

desoximetasone (Topicort ® )

Apply twice daily. [0.25% cream/oint] [0.05% gel]

diflorasone diacetate (Maxiflor ®)

Apply twice daily. [0.05% cream, oint]

fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar ® )

Apply 2 to 4 times daily. [0.2% cream]

fluocinonide (Lidex ® )

Apply apply 2 to 4 times daily. [0.05% cream,oint,gel]

halcinonide (Halog ® )

Apply apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.1% nt]

augmented betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene ® )

Apply once or twice daily. [0.05% ointment]

clobetasol propionate (Temovate ® )

Apply twice daily. [0.05% cream, oint]

diflorasone diacetate (Psorcon ®)

Apply 1 to 3 times daily. [0.05% cream, oint]

halobetasol propionate (Ultravate ® )

Apply 2 to 3 times daily. [0.05% cream, oint]

Disclaimer

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David F. McAuley, Pharm.D., R.Ph. GlobalRPh Inc.

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