Aclovate

Brand name: Aclovate

Generic: Alclometasone Dipropionate

Alclometasone, or Aclovate, belongs to a class of drugs that are moderate, but potent topical corticosteroid ointments (also known as topical steroids). These medicated creams are commonly used along with skin moisturizers to treat various skin conditions, including inflammation, eczema, and dermatitis. This ointment is often recommended when the skin becomes inflamed and reactive. Alclometasone provides immediate relief from various symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling of the skin. Though it is not a cure for skin conditions, it is certainly beneficial in providing relief from symptoms.

Alclometasone can also be recommended to patients suffering from skin conditions due to insect bites and stings. Normally, a shorter course of medication is prescribed for such conditions and may be supplemented by other medicines as the treating doctor sees fit. In some cases, this medication is prescribed to patients suffering from psoriasis, although it is not the only form of treatment.

Aclovate creams and ointments are low- to medium-potency corticosteroids used to relieve inflammation and itching in certain skin lesions.

Aclovate cream contains 0.5 milligram in 1 gram (0.05%) of alclometasone dipropionate, supplied in 15g, 45g, and 60g tubes.

Usage Instructions

Aclovate should be applied to the skin as directed by the physician. The medication should be applied only to the skin; the face, groin, and underarms should be avoided unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

Hands should be washed and dried thoroughly before application, and the affected area cleansed and dried as well. A thin film of medication is then applied to the affected area and gently rubbed in. Treatment should be done two to three times daily or as directed by the physician.

The treated area should not be covered with a bandage or wrapped. If the cream is to be used in the diaper area, tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants should be avoided.

Do not use this medication for longer than three weeks. If your condition worsens after two weeks of treatment, seek medical help.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by the doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Aclovate may interact with the following medications:

• Corticosteroids taken by mouth, such as prednisone
• Other corticosteroids applied to the skin, such as hydrocortisone
• Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine

Side Effects

Although aclovate is a safe medication commonly prescribed by doctors, it may trigger reactions in certain cases. Some of the possible reactions, like a strong, stinging sensation, mild burning, itching, or irritation, may also occur when the medicine is first applied. Redness and drying of the skin are also common side effects that have been observed with this medication. These are temporary and tend to disappear as the body gets used to the medication or as the affected part of the skin starts to heal. The effects normally disappear on their own, but you still need to show them to your doctor. If the side effects persist for a longer duration, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not hesitate to discuss with your doctor any discomfort you may be feeling due to the medication. It is also important to remember that most people who use this medication have only benefited from it and have not felt any serious side effects. However, different people may react differently to certain medications, so the chances of side effects occurring always exist.

Speak to your doctor if you face any other severe reactions to this medication, such as the appearance of stretch marks, sudden pigmentation or discoloration in the part of the skin where the ointment has been applied, or sudden hair growth. These side effects are unlikely, but must be immediately attended to if they appear.

In rare cases, the medicine may not work as expected, leading to worsening of the skin infection for which it was prescribed. If you notice any redness, inflammation, or severe irritation in the affected area, immediately speak to your doctor to either change the medication or find out what is causing the counter interaction.

In extreme cases, the medicine may enter the bloodstream through the surface of the skin. When this occurs, severe side effects can occur due to the excessive corticosteroid being absorbed by the body. This is more commonly heard of in small children and people who have applied this medicine for a long period of time and over large patches of skin. Excessive levels of corticosteroid in the bloodstream can also cause side effects such as extreme tiredness, sudden weight loss, unexplained headache, swelling of the feet and ankles, increased thirst, increased urge to urinate, and vision problems.

Allergic reactions to this medication are not very common, but if you do notice any indicative symptoms, such as rash, swelling, severe itching, fatigue, dizziness, or breathing issues, you may require immediate medical attention.

The above symptoms are not the only possible side effects of using aclovate cream; any symptoms that look unusual should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

Precautions to Keep in Mind Before Using Aclovate

Before using alclometasone, it is important to discuss certain important points with the treating doctor. Some of these points include:

• If you suffer from any issues associated with the blood, including poor blood circulation: Before starting any course of treatment, it is very important to discuss your complete medical history. Speak to your doctor if you suffer from any serious health conditions like poor blood circulation, issues affecting the immune system, diabetes, or blood pressure problems.
• If you are allergic to alclometasone or any of its active ingredients, or if you are allergic to other corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone and prednisone: Before using alclometasone, it is important to discuss with your doctor any possible allergies you may have to aclovate or other forms of corticosteroids. If you are unsure about what could trigger your allergies, talk to your doctor. If the doctor finds any relation between your allergies and the medication, an alternative may be prescribed.
• If you are pregnant or nursing: This medication can enter a person’s bloodstream, so if you are pregnant, the medicine should be used only if absolutely necessary. It is important to discuss the risks involved with the use of this medication. There is not enough evidence to indicate whether or not aclovate can pass into breast milk, so if you are nursing, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.

Using medications that belong to the corticosteroid class of drugs can have an impact on the body’s overall functioning. So, if you are due for surgery or any form of treatment, it is important to discuss this with your treating doctor so that necessary precautions can be taken before starting medical treatment.