title: Alclometasone
text: # Alclometasone
  
  Alclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use, possessing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
  
  The prodrug alclometasone dipropionate was originally marketed under the brand name Aclovate by GlaxoSmithKline as a topical cream and ointment. However, generic versions of the drug are available.
  
  ## Medical uses
  
  Alclometasone cream and ointment are indicated for the relief of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including:
  
  * atopic dermatitis
  * eczema
  * psoriasis
  * 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
  * chicken pox
  * perioral dermatitis
  * acne
  * rosacea
  * open wounds
  * trophic ulcers
  * viral infection of skin
  * skin manifestations of syphilis
  
  ## Side effects
  
  Adverse reactions (sometimes, less than 1-2% cases) include:
  
  * burning
  * itching
  * erythema
  * skin reddening
  * xerodermia
  * skin irritation
  * acne
  * hypopigmentation
  * prickly heat
  * folliculitis
  * white atrophy
  * hypertrichosis
  * reinfection of skin
  
  ## Pharmacology
  
  Alclometasone induces the production of lipocortins, formally known as annexins, which inhibit phospholipase A2 – the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of arachidonic acid. Without the oxidation of arachidonic acid, eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, can't be produced.
  
  Alclometasone also inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from leukocytes (e.g., cytokines, histamine, leukotrienes, serotonin).
  
  ## Formulations
  
  Alclometasone as Aclovate is supplied in:
  
  * Cream; Topical; 0.05%
  * Ointment; Topical; 0.05%
  