Cyclocort (amcinonide) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more.

Sections

Sections amcinonide
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

cream/ointment/lotion

0.1%

Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses

Applied sparingly in a thin film to the affected area q8-12hr

Dosage Forms & Strengths

cream/ointment/lotion

0.1%

Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses

Apply sparingly to affected area(s) q12hr

Limit to minimum amount necessary for therapeutic efficacy

Avoid face

Frequency Not Defined

Skin atrophy

Striae

Burning

Dryness

Irritation

Itching

Hypertrichosis

Acneform lesions

Secondary infection

Pigmentation changes

HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 wk)

Contraindications

Underlying infection

Hypersensitivity

Use on groin, face, or axila

Ophthalmic use

Cautions

Chronic therapy may interfere with growth and development in children

Use med to very high potency for <2 wk to reduce local and systemic side effects

Use low potency for chronic therapy

Allergic contact dermatitis may occur

Should not use occlusive dressings in presence of infection or weeping lesions

Adrenal suppression may occur in younger patients or patients receiving high doses for prolonged periods

Development of Kaposi's sarcoma with prolonged use reported (discontinue therapy if it occurs)

Avoid medium to very high potency on face, folds, groin because can increase steroid absorption

Use lower potency for peds (ie, increase BSA/kg, therefore increase systemic absorption)

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: It is not known whether topical administration of topical corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Use with caution.

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology

Absorption: yes

Potency

High potency

Relative potency: ointment >cream >lotion >solution

Mechanism of Action

Corticosteroids decrease inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes; inhibiting macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas; reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium; reducing capillary wall permeability and edema formation; decreasing complement components; antagonizing histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates; reducing fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Liver

Excretion: Urine; feces

Absorption: Absorbed through intact skin; increases absorption with kin oclusion or inflammation

BRAND	FORM.	UNIT PRICE	PILL IMAGE
amcinonide topical -	0.1 % ointment
amcinonide topical -	0.1 % lotion
amcinonide topical -	0.1 % cream
amcinonide topical -	0.1 % cream
amcinonide topical -	0.1 % cream

Patient Handout

AMCINONIDE - TOPICAL

(am-SIN-oh-nide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cyclocort

USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Amcinonide reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a strong corticosteroid.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.Wash and dry your hands. Before applying the medication, clean and dry the affected area. If you are using the lotion, shake the bottle well before using. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily. Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. When applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes as this may worsen or cause glaucoma. Also, avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.Use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 2 weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, itching, irritation, or dryness at the application site may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, extreme/unwanted hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis).Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Notify your doctor if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using amcinonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, immune system problems.Do not use if there is an infection or sore present in the area to be treated.Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

Create Your List of Plans

Adding plans allows you to:

View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

[CLOSE WINDOW]