WARNINGS
No information provided.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
(HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia,
and glucosuria in some patients.
Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the
more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition
of occlusive dressings.
Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied
to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically
for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and
ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should
be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to
substitute a less potent steroid.
Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation
of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur,
requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids.
Pediatric patients may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids
and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity. (See PRECAUTIONS:
Pediatric Use.)
If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and
appropriate therapy instituted.
In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal
or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not
occur promptly, the cortico-steroid should be discontinued until the infection
has been adequately controlled.
Laboratory Tests
The following tests may be helpful in evaluating the HPA axis suppression:
Urinary free cortisol test
ACTH stimulation test
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic
potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids.
Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have
revealed negative results.
Pregnancy Category C
Corticosteroids are generally terato-genic in laboratory animals when administered
systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids
have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic
effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids
should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the
potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively
on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result
in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast
milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk
in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless,
caution should be exercised when topical corti-costeroids are administered to
a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of Psorcon E (diflor-asone diacetate cream) in pediatric
patients have not been established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface
area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA-axis
suppression when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are, therefore,
also at greater risk of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of
treatment and of Cushing's syndrome while on treatment. Adverse effects including
striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids
in pediatric patients.
HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have
been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations
of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation,
delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to
ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging
fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.