Elocon Cream 45gm
It is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation.
Drug Class
Corticosteroid, Topical
Pharmacologic Class
Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist
Pregnancy Category
C
FDA Approved
Mar 1987
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Elocon Cream contains mometasone, a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching caused by certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It helps to calm down your skin's overactive 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 to do so 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 dry it thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Special Precautions
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 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 Instructions
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 application schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
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 to do so 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 dry it thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Special Precautions
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 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 Instructions
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 application schedule.
* Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Wash hands before and after applying the cream.
- Apply a thin layer of cream only to the affected skin areas, as directed by your doctor.
- Do not use more cream than prescribed or apply it more often than directed.
- Do not apply to the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
- Avoid using occlusive dressings (e.g., bandages, plastic wrap) over the treated area unless advised by your doctor, as this can increase absorption.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
- Do not use for longer than prescribed, especially in children, to minimize the risk of side effects.
- 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.
atopicDermatitis:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use not recommended in infants under 2 years of age).
Infant:
Not established (use not recommended in infants under 2 years of age).
Child:
For children 2 years of age or older: Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily. Use for no more than 3 weeks. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 2 years of age have not been established.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Moderate:
No adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Severe:
No adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Dialysis:
No specific considerations due to minimal systemic absorption.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Moderate:
No adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Severe:
No adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Mometasone furoate, a synthetic corticosteroid, exhibits 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. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Approximately 0.4% (systemic absorption after topical application to normal skin without occlusion)
Tmax:
Not typically measured for topical application; systemic absorption is minimal.
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical administration).
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
CnssPenetration:
Limited/No (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not precisely determined for topical application due to minimal systemic absorption; systemically absorbed drug is excreted via urine and feces.
Clearance:
Not precisely determined for topical application.
ExcretionRoute:
Urine and feces (for systemically absorbed drug)
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within days of consistent application for symptomatic relief.
PeakEffect:
Within 1-2 weeks of consistent application.
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as treatment is continued; cessation leads to return of symptoms.
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 immediate medical attention:
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 of application
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 for advice:
Burning or stinging
Tingling
* Itching
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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 immediate medical attention:
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 of application
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 for advice:
Burning or stinging
Tingling
* Itching
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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:
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation at the application site
- Signs of skin infection (e.g., pus, spreading redness, fever)
- Skin thinning, easy bruising, or stretch marks developing
- Acne or increased hair growth in treated areas
- Unusual fatigue, weakness, or weight gain (signs of systemic absorption)
- Blurred vision or other eye problems (if applied near eyes)
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 assess 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 assess 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 any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult your doctor to ensure safe use. Avoid applying this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. When using this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss this with your doctor.
Use this medication only for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended treatment period.
Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
This medication is available in different forms, which may be suitable for different age groups of children. Before giving this medication to a child, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate form and dosage. 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 potential risk with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or 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 any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult your doctor to ensure safe use. Avoid applying this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. When using this medication on a large area of skin, exercise caution and discuss this with your doctor.
Use this medication only for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended treatment period.
Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
This medication is available in different forms, which may be suitable for different age groups of children. Before giving this medication to a child, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate form and dosage. 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 potential risk with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or 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, including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Symptoms may include: moon face, central obesity, thinning skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar.
What to Do:
Discontinue the medication gradually under medical supervision. Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Call a poison control center immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition (e.g., erythema, scaling, pruritus)
Rationale: To assess baseline severity of dermatosis and track treatment response.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Local skin reactions (e.g., atrophy, striae, folliculitis, burning, itching)
Frequency: Regularly during treatment, especially at follow-up visits.
Target: Absence or reduction of adverse reactions.
Action Threshold: Persistent or worsening reactions warrant discontinuation or re-evaluation.
Signs of HPA axis suppression (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, glucosuria)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use, large surface area application, or occlusive dressings.
Target: Normal cortisol levels, normal glucose.
Action Threshold: Symptoms or abnormal lab values require immediate medical attention and potential discontinuation/tapering.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening of skin condition
- Increased redness or irritation at application site
- Thinning of skin
- Stretch marks (striae)
- Acne-like eruptions
- Increased hair growth at application site
- Signs of infection (pus, fever)
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Weight gain (especially in trunk)
- Moon face
- Increased thirst or urination (signs of hyperglycemia)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Mometasone furoate has been shown to be teratogenic in animals at relatively low doses. Systemic absorption is minimal with topical use, but caution is advised.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity observed in animal studies; human data limited. Use with caution.
Second Trimester:
Use with caution; minimal systemic absorption expected.
Third Trimester:
Use with caution; minimal systemic absorption expected. Risk of HPA axis suppression in the neonate is theoretical but low with topical use.
Lactation
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when mometasone furoate cream is administered to a nursing woman. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
L3 (Moderate risk) - Due to minimal systemic absorption, infant exposure is likely low, but potential for adverse effects cannot be completely ruled out. Monitor infant for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature adults because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use in children under 2 years of age is not recommended. Limit treatment duration to 3 weeks in children 2 years or older. Monitor for signs of systemic absorption and growth retardation.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects. No specific dosage adjustments are required. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing skin atrophy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Elocon Cream is a potent topical corticosteroid; use sparingly and for the shortest duration necessary to achieve control of symptoms.
- Avoid prolonged use on the face, groin, or axillae, or under occlusion, as these areas are more prone to adverse effects like skin atrophy and striae.
- Educate patients on proper application technique: a thin film, once daily, only to affected areas.
- If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks of treatment, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Consider step-down therapy or intermittent use once symptoms are controlled to minimize long-term side effects.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, fluocinonide, clobetasol)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for eczema
- Topical vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriene) for psoriasis
- Emollients and moisturizers
- Systemic therapies (for severe cases, e.g., biologics, methotrexate, cyclosporine)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$50 - $150 per 45gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (generic), Tier 3 (brand)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. 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 details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.