Cyclocort (Amcinonide) Topical: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Brand: Cyclocort

Generic: Amcinonide

Brand Name:

Cyclocort.

Amcinonide is an anti-inflammatory drug which is corticosteroid in nature. It is widely used to treat inflammation and pruritus associated with various allergic or immunologic skin problems.

This topical medicine is used to relieve certain symptoms caused by inflammatory skin diseases such as redness, swelling, or itching by suppressing dermatologic inflammation and immune processes.

Amcinonide is available only with a doctor's prescription and it is found in the following dosage forms: lotion, cream, and ointment.

It is metabolized in skin and remains primarily at site of action. Long-term use of such medications on large surface areas or excessive amounts applied may result in systemic absorption.

If you are about to start a drug therapy, the risk-benefit ratio should be considered. This is a decision that your doctor will make with your active participation.

Certain important factors including present and past illness, drug interactions, hypersensitivity reactions, pregnancy, lactation and metabolic impairments may alter the drug action which should be considered cautiously.

You should tell your doctor about your current medical problems in details. If you have developed adrenal gland disorders, diabetes, hypertension, allergy to any particular drug, never fail to mention these.

Choice of drug preparation actually depends on site and type of lesion. Ointment is preferably used for dry and scaly lesions. Creams are used on oozing areas. Lotion is suitable to use in hairy areas.

Whatever the form of medicine you use, proper application of such topical medicines is very important. You should be careful of avoiding the eyes. If any dose is missed, that should be applied as soon as remembered unless almost time for the next dose.

You should avoid using cosmetics, bandages, dressings, or other skin products over the treated area unless directed by health care professional. Because of this product's toxicity, it should be applied on children and elderly with caution.

Moreover, children usually absorb more than usual amounts through their skin, which may lead to serious side-effects.

Animal studies have shown an adverse effect but there are no adequate studies in pregnancy and lactation. Hence, potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

In addition, periodic adrenal function tests should be carried out to assess the degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression in chronic topical therapy.

Children and patients who have applied large dose over a large surface area, or using an occlusive dressing, are at highest risk for HPA suppression.

Medicines should be used following the directions given by a doctor. The dose of this medicine will vary according to patient’s condition or requirements. You should follow the doctor's directions and advices.

The amount of medicine that you take should not exceed the maximum therapeutic dose. Also, the frequency of your daily drug administration and the duration of drug therapy depend on the particular medical problem for which you are taking the medicine. In order to treat allergic/immunologic reactions apply 1-6 times daily according to directions.

You should wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. A thin layer of this medicine should be applied over the affected area of the skin. You should avoid occlusive dressings over the infected area unless your doctor advises to do so.

Moreover, you should be confirmed about the proper way to apply it. Always try to apply such medicine maintain the schedule as directed by your doctor.

If you miss any dose of this medicine, you should take it as soon as possible. But when it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. You should store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

All kinds of medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. Outdated medicine must be disposed by an appropriate way. Certain kinds of skin infections or conditions such as severe burns contradict the application of amcinonide.

Some important measures should be taken if you feel any discomfort following any drug therapy. In case of such drug therapy, you may not need to discontinue the therapy as there are least chances of drug toxicity.

But you should not delay to consult with your physician in case of extreme unwanted effects such as allergic contact dermatitis, burning, dryness, edema, irritation etc.

Certain drugs should not be used concurrently with such medications. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some drugs for another health problem. Moreover, this medicine is contraindicated in those who have hypersensitivity or known intolerance to corticosteroids.

Untreated bacterial or viral infections may become worsened. Hepatic dysfunction, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, or tuberculosis are the conditions where this drug is used cautiously. Long-term high-dose usage may result in growth suppression in children and adrenal suppression in mother.

Further, you should keep in mind that children are more susceptible to adrenal and growth suppression.

Drugs usually come with some unwanted adverse-effects along with their desirable beneficial actions. Although not all of the side effects may occur all the time, they may become significant or excessive warranting immediate medical help.

That’s why you should remain alert and contact your doctor if any of the following side effects occur: