Uses
What is topical clocortolone used for?
Topical clocortolone is commonly used to relieve inflammation and itch caused by various skin conditions.
Topical clocortolone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does topical clocortolone work (mechanism of action)?
Clocortolone is a topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.
How is topical clocortolone supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Cloderm
Dosage forms and strengths
- 0.1% topical cream
How should I store topical clocortolone?
Topical clocortolone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not allow it to freeze.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of topical clocortolone?
The most common side effects of topical clocortolone are skin reactions, such as irritation, dryness, itching, burning, or redness (see below). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of topical clocortolone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of topical clocortolone?
While less common, the most serious side effects of topical clocortolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical clocortolone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical clocortolone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of topical clocortolone can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you apply topical clocortolone over a large area of your skin or if you wrap or cover your skin after applying the medicine. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
- Low blood pressure
Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, using topical clocortolone at high doses or for a long time may increase your risk for Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that happens when your body is exposed to high levels of cortisol (a natural steroid hormone), or high levels of medicines that work like cortisol, such as topical clocortolone. The risk may be higher in children. Stop using topical clocortolone and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.
- A rounded, rosy color of the face
- Weight gain, especially in the upper body
- A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
- Thinning skin that bruises easily
- Feeling very weak or tired
- Depression or anxiety
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Sleeping problems
Skin Reactions. Topical clocortolone can rarely cause skin-related side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following skin-related side effects.
- Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
- Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
- Rash around your mouth
- Lightening of skin color
- Skin infections where you apply the medicine
- Skin thinning
- Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
- Stretch marks
- Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use topical clocortolone?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical clocortolone.
- Clocortolone
- Cloderm
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical clocortolone products they stock.
What should I know about topical clocortolone before using it?
Do not use topical clocortolone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share topical clocortolone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep topical clocortolone out of the reach of children.
Topical clocortolone should be applied to the affected skin by gently massaging it in until the medicine disappears.
Avoid getting topical clocortolone in your eyes, and wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Do not use on the face, armpits (underarms), or groin area unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated skin area unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. This may increase the amount of clocortolone that is absorbed through your skin and increase the risk of side effects.
People who are under 18 can be at greater risk for some side effects from topical clocortolone. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks if you are under 18 or if you are treating someone under 18.
When treating babies in the diaper area, do not use tight diapers or plastic pants on your baby, since these are not breathable. Diapers or clothing that is not breathable can cause too much absorption of the medicine into your baby’s blood.
If no improvement in your skin is seen within the expected time (often one to two weeks), tell your healthcare provider right away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical clocortolone?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical clocortolone is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Adrenal Gland Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease or hypocortisolism).
Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical clocortolone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical clocortolone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical clocortolone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical clocortolone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take topical clocortolone while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does topical clocortolone interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between topical clocortolone and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical clocortolone.
Does topical clocortolone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking any other corticosteroid, including medicines you take by mouth as well as other medicines you apply to the skin. Examples include prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone, which are medicines for certain inflammatory conditions.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical clocortolone. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical clocortolone?
If you or someone else has used too much topical clocortolone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of topical clocortolone?
If you forget to apply topical clocortolone at the scheduled time, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next one. Do not apply double or extra doses.
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