Dermatop

1 What is Dermatop?

Brand: Dermatop, Dermatop E

Generic: Prednicarbate

Dermatop is a corticosteroid used for the relief of redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Dermatop, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of prednicarbate topical cream. 

This drug should be used with caution due to its toxicity. The safety and efficacy of prednicarbate topical ointment in children younger than 10 years of age, and topical cream in children younger than 1 year of age have not been established and use is not recommended. Data on the relationship of age to the effects of prednicarbate topical in geriatric patients are still unavailable. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. 

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Cushing's syndrome, Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, Intracranial hypertension, Infection of the skin at or near the place of application, Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application.

3 Proper Usage

To use Dermatop properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This drug must not be applied to your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. 

Wash the drug off immediately with water if it does get in these areas. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. 

Adults with redness, itching, and swelling of the skin are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Children 1 year of age and older should apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Use in children younger than 1 year of age is not recommended. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. 

However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Dermatop, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within a few days. Increased doses and prolonged use may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems.

Consult with your healthcare professional if you have: 

  • blurred vision
  • dizziness or fainting
  • a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
  • increased thirst or urination
  • irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness

Seek immediate medical attention if you have skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin. Using cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas is not recommended.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Dermatop. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

  • burning, itching, drying, scaling, or cracking of the skin
  • irritation of the skin
  • pain, raised, dark red, or wart-like spots on the skin
  • especially when used on the face
  • shininess or thinness of the skin
  • thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together
  • blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or
  • tingling feelings
  • hives or welts
  • itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
  • skin rash
  • irritation of the skin around the mouth, or redness and scaling around the mouth

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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