Alclometasone is synthetic glucocorticoid

Glucocorticoid

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor , which is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell...

 steroid

Steroid

A steroid is a type of organic compound that contains a characteristic arrangement of four cycloalkane rings that are joined to each other. Examples of steroids include the dietary fat cholesterol, the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone, and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone.The core...

 for topical use in dermatology as anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antiallergic, antiproliferative and vasoconstrictive agent.

Alclometasone Dipropionate marketed as medication Aclovate by GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline plc is a global pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccines and consumer healthcare company headquartered in London, United Kingdom...

.

Pharmacology

Alclometasone inhibits phospholipase A2 by inducing production of lipocortins; inhibits synthesis of arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid 20:4.It is the counterpart to the saturated arachidic acid found in peanut oil, Arachidonic acid (AA, sometimes ARA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid 20:4(ω-6).It is the counterpart to the saturated arachidic acid found in peanut oil,...

, prostaglandins and leukotrienes acid, reduce release of cytokines from lymphocytes and others mediators of inflammation (incl. histamine

Histamine

Histamine is an organic nitrogen compound involved in local immune responses as well as regulating physiological function in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter. Histamine triggers the inflammatory response. As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by...

).

Indications

Alclometasone cream and onintment are indicated for the relief of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including:

• atopic dermatitis
  Dermatitis
  -Etymology:Dermatitis derives from Greek derma "skin" + -itis "inflammation" and genetic disorder.-Terminology:There are several different types of dermatitis. The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens. The term may describe eczema, which is also called...
  
  
• eczema
  Eczema
  Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the epidermis . In England, an estimated 5.7 million or about one in every nine people have been diagnosed with the disease by a clinician at some point in their lives.The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions...
  
  
• psoriasis
  Psoriasis
  Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. However, psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of...
  
  
• allergic dermatitis
• contact dermatitis
• actinic dermatitis
• kiss-type allergy
• skin itch

Alclometasone may be used on sensitive skin sites (face, skinfolds); in pediatric patients 1 year or older and in geriatric patients.

Contraindications

• hypersensitivity to alclometasone or any of ingredients in pharmaceutical forms
• cutaneous tuberculosis
  Tuberculosis
  Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
  
  
• chicken pox
• perioral dermatitis
• acne
  Acne
  Acne is a general term used for acneiform eruptions. It is usually used as a synonym for acne vulgaris, but may also refer to:*Acne aestivalis*Acne conglobata*Acne cosmetica*Acne fulminans*Acne keloidalis nuchae*Acne mechanica...
  
  
• rosacea
  Rosacea
  Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by facial erythema . Pimples are sometimes included as part of the definition. Unless it affects the eyes, it is typically a harmless cosmetic condition...
  
  
• open wounds
• trophic ulcers
• viral infection of skin
• skin manifestations of syphilis

Side effects

Alclometasone Adverse reactions/Side effects (sometimes, less than 1-2% cases) include:

• burning
• itching
• erythema
  Erythema
  Erythema is redness of the skin, caused by hyperemia of the capillaries in the lower layers of the skin. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation...
  
  
• skin reddening
• xerodermia
• skin irritation
• acne
• hypopigmentation
• prickly heat
• folliculitis
• white atrophy
• hypertrichosis
• reinfection of skin

How supplied

Alclometasone as Aclovate is supplied in:

• Cream; Topical; 0.05%
• Ointment; Topical; 0.05%