Alclometasone
Alclometasone (al kloe MET a sone) is a generic medication prescribed to relieve skin itchiness and inflammation. Alclometasone belongs to a group of drugs called topical corticosteroids.
Alclometasone (al kloe MET a sone) is a generic medication prescribed to relieve skin itchiness and inflammation. Alclometasone belongs to a group of drugs called topical corticosteroids.
- Generic
- • Cream
- • 15gm of .05pct
- • 1 Tube
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Kirstyn Hill, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Updated on October 17, 2023
Alclometasone (al kloe MET a sone) is a generic medication prescribed to relieve skin itchiness and inflammation. Alclometasone belongs to a group of drugs called topical* corticosteroids.
*A topical product means it’s applied to the skin.
FAQ
Common questions about alclometasone
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about alclometasone.
Is it safe to apply alclometasone on your face?
Possibly, but only if your doctor specifically recommends doing so for short periods of time.
In general, the drugmaker of alclometasone recommends not using this cream or ointment on your face. If your doctor specifically instructs you to apply alclometasone to your face, be sure to apply a thin layer to the affected skin only. Avoid contact with your eyes.
For more information about where to apply alclometasone and how long to use it, talk with your doctor.
What brand names are available for alclometasone?
There are no longer any brand-name products available for alclometasone. Alclometasone was once available under the brand name Aclovate. However, this is no longer made or sold in the United States.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared with brand-name drugs.
How does alclometasone compare with hydrocortisone?
Both alclometasone and hydrocortisone are corticosteroids. Alclometasone is a prescription-only drug, while certain forms and strengths of hydrocortisone can be purchased over the counter.
Alclometasone is available as a topical* cream and ointment. Hydrocortisone is available as a topical cream, topical ointment, topical solution, topical lotion, rectal enema, injectable product, oral capsule, and oral tablet.
The topical forms of these drugs can be used to relieve skin itchiness and inflammation.
For more information about the differences between alclometasone and hydrocortisone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
*A topical product means it’s applied to the skin.
Can alclometasone be prescribed for a yeast infection?
No, alclometasone is not prescribed to treat a yeast infection. Antifungal drugs typically treat yeast infections. Alclometasone belongs to a group of drugs called topical corticosteroids.
For more information on yeast infection treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does alclometasone work? And how long does it take to start working?
Alclometasone works to reduce symptoms of itchiness and inflammation when you apply it to your skin. It’s thought to work by blocking the release of chemicals that lead to inflammation.
Alclometasone starts working right after you apply it to your skin, but it may take a few days to provide symptom relief. The drug is usually used no longer than 2–3 weeks. Continuing the treatment for more time may increase the risk of side effects, such as skin thinning or infection.
If you’d like to know more about how alclometasone works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
*A topical product means it’s applied to the skin.
Uses
Uses of alclometasone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as alclometasone for certain conditions. The approved use for alclometasone is described below.
Use for skin inflammation and itchiness
Doctors may prescribe alclometasone ointment or cream for relieving symptoms of skin inflammation and itchiness. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 1 year and older. It’s prescribed as a short-term treatment, usually no longer than 2–3 weeks.
Certain skin conditions can cause skin inflammation and itchiness. Examples include eczema and contact dermatitis. Symptoms may include skin itching, rash, swelling, and redness or discoloration. Alclometasone helps to relieve these symptoms.
Side effects
Side effects of alclometasone
Alclometasone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of alclometasone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about alclometasone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for alclometasone listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with alclometasone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about alclometasone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for alclometasone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Alclometasone topical† cream’s and ointment’s mild side effects include:
- itching, burning, reddening or discoloration, and dryness at the application site
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for alclometasone” section.
† A topical product means it’s applied to the skin.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of alclometasone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about alclometasone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for alclometasone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, alclometasone’s serious side effects include:
- lightening of skin tone
- infection
- skin thinning
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for alclometasone” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for alclometasone
Below, you’ll find information about alclometasone’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of alclometasone
Alclometasone isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with alclometasone won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with alclometasone.
Because of this, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with alclometasone. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:
- vaccines
- foods or alcohol
- other drugs
Warnings for alclometasone
Some people should not use alclometasone, and others should use it cautiously.
Alclometasone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether alclometasone is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for alclometasone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Alclometasone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to alclometasone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe alclometasone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to alclometasone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of alclometasone
If you apply alclometasone, you should not use more alclometasone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much alclometasone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and alclometasone
Information about alclometasone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Alclometasone and pregnancy
It’s not known whether alclometasone should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Alclometasone and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether alclometasone should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about alclometasone or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How much alclometasone cream or ointment should I put on the affected area?
- Can I use alclometasone at the same time as other lotions, creams, or ointments?
- Are there less expensive treatment options if I am unable to afford alclometasone?
Resources
Resources
- Alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment, USP 0.05%. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/63e635e0-65d8-4b30-9f2a-ab16deba90bd/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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