CORTICOSTEROIDS - TOPICAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Aristocort, Carmol HC, Cordran, Desonide, Diprolene, Fluonid, Halog, Hytone, Kenalog, Lidex, Synalar, Synemol, Topicort, Tridesilon, Valisone

USES:
This medication is used to treat swelling, inflammation, or itching of skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rashes, insect bites, poison ivy, allergies and other irritations.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION:
Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. To apply, gently massage a small amount of the medication into the affected area and surrounding skin. Do not bandage, wrap or cover the area treated unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. Do not use plastic pants or tight fitting diapers on children being treated with this medication in the diaper area. Avoid using this medication around the eyes unless directed to do so by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS:
This medication may cause burning, stinging, itching or redness when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Skin infections can become worse when using this medication. Notify your doctor if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly the following side effects:
unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Do not use this medication near the eyes if you have glaucoma. Treatment with alclometasone, clobetasol, halobetasol propionate and augmented betamethasone dipropionate beyond two weeks consecutively is not recommended. Do not use if there is an infection or sores present on the area to be treated. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication should be used cautiously during pregnancy and only if clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. Small amounts of this medication may appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of prednisone (or similar drugs) and of any other skin medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES:
Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication. Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Avoid freezing.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.