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 Drug Name
Elocon cream (Mometasone)
Drug Uses
Elocon is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.Elocon is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.Elocon may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How Taken
Apply a thin film of the cream or ointment or a few drops of the lotion to the affected skin once a day. Massage it in until it disappears.
Elocon is for use only on the skin. Be careful to keep it out of your eyes.
For the most effective and economical use of Elocon lotion, hold the tip of the bottle very close to (but not touching) the affected skin and squeeze the bottle gently.
Once you have applied Elocon, never cover the skin with an airtight bandage, a tight diaper, plastic pants, or any other airtight dressing. This could encourage excessive absorption of the medication into your bloodstream.
Be careful not to use Elocon for a longer time than prescribed. If you do, you may disrupt your ability to make your own natural adrenal corticoid hormones (hormones secreted by the outer layer of the adrenal gland).
Drug Class and Mechanism
Like other topical corticosteroids, mometasone furoate has anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins 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 A 2 .
Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Studies in humans indicate that approximately 0.7% of the applied dose of ELOCON Ointment 0.1% enters the circulation after 8 hours of contact on normal skin without occlusion. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption.
Studies performed with ELOCON Ointment 0.1% indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
In a study evaluating the effects of mometasone furoate ointment on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, 15 grams were applied twice daily for 7 days to six adult patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. The ointment was applied without occlusion to at least 30% of the body surface. The results show that the drug caused a slight lowering of adrenal corticosteroid secretion.
In a pediatric trial, 24 atopic dermatitis patients, of which 19 patients were age 2 to 12 years, were treated with ELOCON Cream 0.1% once daily. The majority of patients cleared within 3 weeks.
Sixty-three pediatric patients ages 6 to 23 months, with atopic dermatitis, were enrolled in an open-label, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis safety study. ELOCON Ointment 0.1% was applied once daily for approximately 3 weeks over a mean body surface area of 39% (range 15% to 99%). In approximately 27% of patients who showed normal adrenal fuction by Cortrosyn test before starting treatment, adrenal suppression was observed at the end of treatment with ELOCON Ointment 0.1%. The criteria for suppression were: basal cortisol level of </=5 mcg/dL, 30-minute post-stimulation level of </=18 mcg/dL, or an increase of <7 mcg/dL. Follow-up testing 2 to 4 weeks after stopping treatment, available for 8 of the patients, demonstrated suppressed HPA axis function in 3 patients, using these same criteria.
Missed Dose
Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Storage
Elocon should be kept at room temperature, 15-30C (59-86F)
Warnings/Precautions
Use Elocon exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Elocon can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not use Elocon on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Elocon over a long treatment period. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Elocon and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing Elocon through your skin, such as:
- blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
- mood changes
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- weight gain, puffiness in your face
- muscle weakness, feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild skin rash, itching, burning, redness, or dryness
- thinning or softening of your skin
- skin rash or irritation around your mouth
- swollen hair follicles
- spider veins
- numbness or tingling
- changes in color of treated skin
- blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin
- stretch marks
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
More Information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Elocon only for the indication prescribed.
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