Alclometasone Dipropionate

Description

DESCRIPTION Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% contains alclometasone dipropionate (7α-chloro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate), a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Chemically, alclometasone dipropionate is C 28 H 37 ClO 7 . It has the following structural formula: Alclometasone dipropionate has the molecular weight of 521. It is a white powder, insoluble in water, slightly soluble in propylene glycol, and moderately soluble in hexylene glycol. Each gram of alclometasone dipropionate ointment contains 0.5 mg of alclometasone dipropionate in an ointment base of hexylene glycol, propylene glycol stearate, white petrolatum and white wax. Chemical Structure

What Is Alclometasone Dipropionate Used For?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is a low to medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, although the safety and efficacy of drug use for longer than 3 weeks have not been established (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use ). Since the safety and efficacy of alclometasone dipropionate ointment has not been established in pediatric patients below 1 year of age, their use in this age-group is not recommended.

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% to the affected skin areas two or three times daily; massage gently until the medication disappears. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older. Safety and effectiveness of alclometasone dipropionate ointment in pediatric patients for more than 3 weeks of use have not been established. Use in pediatric patients under 1 year of age is not recommended. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should not be applied in the diaper area if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants as these garments may constitute occlusive dressing. Geriatric Use In studies where geriatric patients (65 years of age or older, see PRECAUTIONS ) have been treated with alclometasone dipropionate ointment, safety did not differ from that in younger patients; therefore, no dosage adjustment is recommended.

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions have been reported with alclometasone dipropionate ointment in approximately 1% of patients: itching, burning, and erythema. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., at 1-866-923-4914 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components in this preparation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of topical corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when alclometasone dipropionate ointment is administered to a nursing woman.

Overdosage

OVERDOSAGE Topically applied alclometasone dipropionate ointment can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is supplied in 5 g (professional sample only), 15 g (NDC 51672-1316-1), 45 g (NDC 51672-1316-6), and 60 g (NDC 51672-1316-3) tubes. Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].