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 itchAlclometasone 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, cant 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%


== References ==