Elocon 0.1% Lotion 60ml
It is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation.
Drug Class
Corticosteroid, Topical
Pharmacologic Class
Glucocorticoid receptor agonist
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Dec 1987
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Elocon Lotion contains mometasone, a strong corticosteroid medicine that helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching caused by certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It works by calming down the skin's immune response.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Application Instructions
Apply this medication only to your skin, as directed by your doctor. Do not take it by mouth.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Unless instructed by your doctor, do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication. If the treated area is on your hand, do not wash your hand after application.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and make sure it is dry.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless your doctor advises you to do so.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature.
Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of medications, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Application Instructions
Apply this medication only to your skin, as directed by your doctor. Do not take it by mouth.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Unless instructed by your doctor, do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication. If the treated area is on your hand, do not wash your hand after application.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and make sure it is dry.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless your doctor advises you to do so.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature.
Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best way to dispose of medications, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer of the lotion to the affected skin area once daily. Gently rub it in until it disappears.
- Do not use more than prescribed or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the lotion, unless your hands are the area being treated.
- Avoid getting the lotion in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it gets into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other dressings unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Do not use on the face, groin, or armpits unless directed by your doctor.
- Do not use for diaper rash in infants.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Psoriasis:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.
Atopic Dermatitis:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Use with caution; increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression. Limit to smallest amount for shortest duration.
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily. Limit treatment to 3 weeks. Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (minimal systemic absorption)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Mometasone furoate, a synthetic corticosteroid, exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. It acts by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, lipocortins, which control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Corticosteroids bind to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, translocate to the nucleus, and modulate gene expression, leading to reduced inflammation and immune response.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Variable (depends on skin integrity, area, duration, occlusion)
Tmax:
Not applicable for topical systemic absorption
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic distribution)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic distribution)
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not precisely determined for topical application due to minimal systemic absorption
Clearance:
Not precisely determined for topical application
ExcretionRoute:
Biliary and renal (after systemic metabolism)
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within days of consistent application
PeakEffect:
Within 1-2 weeks of consistent application
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as applied, with residual effect for a short period after discontinuation.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, including:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling extremely tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Irritation at the site where the medication was applied
Thinning of the skin
Changes in eyesight
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning or stinging
Tingling
* Itching
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, including:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling extremely tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Irritation at the site where the medication was applied
Thinning of the skin
Changes in eyesight
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning or stinging
Tingling
* Itching
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased redness, swelling, or pus (signs of infection)
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation that worsens after application
- Thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or stretch marks in the treated area
- Acne-like breakouts or increased hair growth in the treated area
- Any signs of systemic side effects, especially in children (e.g., unusual weight gain, rounding of the face, slow growth, fatigue)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Do not use this medication to treat diaper rash. If you are applying it to an area that will be covered by a diaper, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Some products may not be suitable for use in the diaper area, so consult your doctor before application.
Before using other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult your doctor. Avoid applying this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. When using this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss it with your doctor.
Do not use this medication for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. Prolonged use may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so consult your doctor about potential risks.
Note that different formulations of this medication may be suitable for different age groups of children. Before giving this medication to a child, consult your doctor to ensure you are using the correct formulation. When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group. In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Discuss this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Do not use this medication to treat diaper rash. If you are applying it to an area that will be covered by a diaper, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Some products may not be suitable for use in the diaper area, so consult your doctor before application.
Before using other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult your doctor. Avoid applying this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. When using this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss it with your doctor.
Do not use this medication for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. Prolonged use may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so consult your doctor about potential risks.
Note that different formulations of this medication may be suitable for different age groups of children. Before giving this medication to a child, consult your doctor to ensure you are using the correct formulation. When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group. In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Discuss this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use of topical corticosteroids can lead to systemic effects due to absorption, including Cushing's syndrome (e.g., moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity), hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (e.g., fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure).
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose or significant systemic absorption, contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Management is supportive and symptomatic. Gradual withdrawal of the corticosteroid may be necessary if HPA axis suppression is confirmed.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment
Rationale: To establish baseline severity of dermatosis and identify any signs of infection or skin breakdown.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Efficacy (reduction in inflammation, pruritus)
Frequency: Weekly or as clinically indicated
Target: Improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate need for re-evaluation or alternative therapy.
Local adverse effects (e.g., skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis, burning, itching)
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Absence of or minimal adverse effects
Action Threshold: Presence of significant adverse effects may require dose reduction, discontinuation, or change in therapy.
Signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, pus)
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Absence of infection
Action Threshold: Presence of infection requires appropriate antimicrobial therapy; corticosteroid may need to be temporarily discontinued.
Signs of HPA axis suppression (especially in children or with extensive/prolonged use)
Frequency: Periodically, if risk factors present (e.g., large surface area, occlusion, prolonged use)
Target: Normal cortisol levels
Action Threshold: Symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, or abnormal cortisol levels require immediate medical attention and potential discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Folliculitis
- Hypertrichosis
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hypopigmentation
- Perioral dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Maceration of the skin
- Secondary infection
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Miliaria
- Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, HPA axis suppression)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Mometasone furoate is Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects with high doses of corticosteroids.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity, though systemic absorption from topical use is minimal. Avoid large areas or prolonged use.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered safer than first trimester, but still use with caution and limit exposure.
Third Trimester:
Risk of HPA axis suppression in the neonate with prolonged or extensive maternal use near term. Monitor neonates for signs of hypoadrenalism.
Lactation
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Use with caution. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with appropriate use (minimal systemic absorption), but potential for adverse effects if significant amounts are ingested by the infant or if applied to large areas of the mother's skin.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use the least potent corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible. Not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Monitor for growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients. However, elderly patients may have thinner skin, which could potentially increase systemic absorption or local adverse effects. Use with caution and monitor for skin fragility.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Elocon Lotion is a high-potency topical corticosteroid. Use it sparingly and only on affected areas.
- Advise patients that prolonged use, especially on the face, intertriginous areas, or under occlusion, can lead to skin atrophy, striae, and telangiectasias.
- Educate patients on the signs of local infection and the importance of reporting them, as corticosteroids can mask or worsen infections.
- For children, emphasize the importance of limiting treatment duration and avoiding occlusion due to increased risk of systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression.
- If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks of treatment, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, fluocinonide, clobetasol)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for atopic dermatitis
- Topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (e.g., crisaborole) for atopic dermatitis
- Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriene) for psoriasis
- Topical retinoids for psoriasis
- Emollients and moisturizers for dry skin conditions
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $50-$200+ per 60ml lotion
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1-3 (generic often Tier 1, brand Tier 2-3)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health condition do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for clarification and guidance. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the name of the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.