Alclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use, possessing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
The prodrug alclometasone dipropionate was originally marketed under the brand name Aclovate by GlaxoSmithKline as a topical cream and ointment. However, generic versions of the drug are available.
Medical uses Alclometasone cream and ointment are indicated for the relief of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including: atopic dermatitis eczema psoriasis allergic dermatitis contact dermatitis actinic dermatitis kiss-type allergy skin itch
Alclometasone may be used on sensitive skin sites (face, skinfolds); in pediatric patients 1 year or older and in geriatric patients.
Contraindications hypersensitivity to alclometasone or any of ingredients in pharmaceutical forms cutaneous tuberculosis chicken pox perioral dermatitis acne rosacea open wounds trophic ulcers viral infection of skin skin manifestations of syphilis
Side effects Adverse reactions (sometimes, less than 1-2% cases) include: burning itching erythema skin reddening xerodermia skin irritation acne hypopigmentation prickly heat folliculitis white atrophy hypertrichosis reinfection of skin
Pharmacology Alclometasone induces the production of lipocortins, formally known as annexins, which inhibit phospholipase A2 – the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of arachidonic acid. Without the oxidation of arachidonic acid, eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, can't be produced.
Alclometasone also inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from leukocytes (e.g., cytokines, histamine, leukotrienes, serotonin).
Formulations Alclometasone as Aclovate is supplied in: Cream; Topical; 0.05% Ointment; Topical; 0.05%
References