What is Fluocinolone acetonide?
Fluocinolone is a treatment for prescription use. It is available in five different forms: cream, ointment, solution, shampoo, and oil. The brand-name drug Synalar is available as a fluocinolone cream. It's available in a generic form as well. In certain cases, as a brand-name drug, they might not be available in any strength or shape. As part of a combined procedure, fluocinolone cream can be used. This means as for some drugs you may need to use them. Fluocinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid usually used in dermatology to relieve itching and reduce skin inflammation. It is a synthetic derivative of hydrocortisone. The fluorine substitution in the steroid nucleus at position 9 greatly enhances its function.
Fluocinolone acetonide uses
A variety of skin disorders are treated with this drug (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). In these types of conditions, fluocinolone decreases the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur. A medium-strength corticosteroid is this drug.
How to use Fluocinolone acetonide Solution
- Using this drug just on your skin. However, unless guided to do so by your doctor, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms.
- Before using it, wash and dry your face. Clean the affected area and dry it. Apply the infected area with a thin film of medicine and gently rub in, normally 3-4 times a day or as instructed by your doctor. Unless instructed to do so by your doctor, do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area. Do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if used on an infant in the diaper area.
- Unless you are using this drug to treat your hands, wash your hands after applying the medication. When applying this drug near the eyes, as this can exacerbate or cause glaucoma, avoid having it in the eyes. Also, in the nose or mouth, stop getting this drug. Rinse with plenty of water if you get the drug in these places.
- For the disorder for which it was prescribed, use this drug only. For longer than the prescribed time interval, do not use it continuously. Inform your doctor if, after 2 weeks, your condition continues or worsens.
How does it work
Fluocinolone cream is in a family of medicines known as topical corticosteroids. A category of medicines that functions in a similar way, is a class of drugs. For the treatment of related conditions/health issues, these medications can also be also used. By that the body's output of such chemicals, corticosteroids will function. These chemicals cause swelling and itching in the body, called prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Fluocinolone Side Effects
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Red, swollen skin
- Warmth
- Pain at the treatment site
- Red, itchy, irritated skin
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- The roundness of the face (known as moon face)
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection
- The hump on the back between your shoulders
- Stretch marks on your thighs, stomach, arms
- When this drug is first applied to the skin, stinging, burning, scratching, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. When the body responds to the drug, these symptoms should vanish after a few days.
- Know that this drug has been prescribed by your doctor because he or she has decided that the value is greater than the risk of side effects.
- If any of these unlikely but severe side effects arise, notify your doctor immediately: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, extreme/unwanted hair growth.
- When this drug is used, skin infections can get worse. Notify the doctor immediately when there is no change in redness, swelling, or pain.
- This drug will seldom be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to severe corticosteroid side effects. These side effects are more likely to occur in children and in individuals who have been taking this drug for a long time, or in large areas of the skin. If any of the following side effects arise, notify your doctor right away: unusual/extreme weakness, weight loss, headache, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, trouble with vision.
- It is unusual to experience a very severe allergic reaction to this drug. However, if you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), serious dizziness, difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to fluocinolone or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone) or if you had any other allergies before using fluocinolone. There may be some inactive ingredients in this substance present that might cause serious allergic reactions or other health related problems.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history before taking this drug, including low blood pressure, diabetes, problems with your immune system.
- If there is an infection or sore in the region to be treated, do not use it.
- Rarely, for a long time or over large areas of skin, using corticosteroid drugs can make it harder for the body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this drug or have used this medication over the last six months before getting surgery or emergency care, or if you have a serious illness/injury.
- Though it is doubtful, if used for a long time, this medication will temporarily slow down the growth of a child. See the doctor periodically so that the height of your child can be tested.
- This drug should be used during pregnancy only when it is needed in very urgent. This drug might pass through breastmilk. Consult before taking
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of and maybe watching you for, any potential medication interactions. Before consulting with your doctor or pharmacist first, do not start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about drugs you might use before taking this drug, particularly: corticosteroids taken by mouth (e.g., prednisone), other skin corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone), medicines that lower the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine).
- Therefore, remind your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you use before purchasing this product. Keep a list with you of all your drugs and share them.
- Do not share with anyone this drug. Only for your present condition has this drug been prescribed. Do not use it for other skin issues later, unless your doctor has advised you to do so. In such cases, a different drug might be required.
- Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function tests) may be done regularly to track your progress or to check for side effects, especially if you are taking or applying this medication to large areas of the body for a prolonged period of time. For more info, contact your doctor. Tell all of your physicians that you are taking or have been using this drug.
Note
Overdose
When swallowed, this drug can be harmful. Call a poison control center immediately if someone has overdosed and has severe signs such as passing out or difficulty breathing.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missing, use it as soon as you know. If it is almost the time for the next dose to be taken is close, skip the forgotten dose. At a normal time, use the next dose. do not double the dosage.
Storage
Store it away from light and moisture at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). You don't freeze. Do not store your medications in the washroom. Do not flush drugs down the toilet or dump them into a drain unless told to do so. Discard this drug correctly when it expires.
Fluocinolone acetonide vs Mometasone furoate
Fluocinolone acetonide |
Mometasone furoate |
|---|---|
| Formula: C24H30F2O6 | Formula: C27H30Cl2O6 |
| Used n dermatology to reduce skin inflammation and relieving itchiness | Used to treat some skin conditions, fever, and asthma |
| Corticosteroid | Steroid medication |
| Used in skin inflammation | Used for swelling |
