halcinonide

Absorption: Minimal. Prolonged use on large surface areas or large amounts applied or use of occlusive dressings may ↑ systemic absorption.

Distribution: Remains primarily at site of action.

Metabolism/Excretion: Usually metabolized in skin.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(response depends on condition being treated)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Topical	min–hrs	hrs–days	hrs–days

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity or known intolerance to corticosteroids or components of vehicles (cream base, preservative, alcohol);
Untreated bacterial or viral infections.

Use Cautiously in:

Hepatic impairment;
Diabetes mellitus, cataracts, glaucoma, or tuberculosis (use of large amounts of high-potency agents may worsen condition);
Pre-existing skin atrophy;
OB: Chronic high-dose use in pregnancy may result in adrenal suppression in mother and low birth weight in infants;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: atrophy, allergic contact dermatitis, burning, dryness, edema, folliculitis, hypersensitivity reactions, hypertrichosis, hypopigmentation, irritation, maceration, miliaria, perioral dermatitis, secondary infection, striae

Misc: adrenal suppression (use of occlusive dressings, long-term therapy)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

(Adults ): Apply to affected area(s) 1–3 times daily (depends on product, preparation, and condition being treated).
(Children ): Apply to affected area(s) once daily.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Cream: 0.1%

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess affected skin before and daily during therapy. Note degree of inflammation and pruritus. Notify physician or other health care professional if symptoms of infection (↑ pain, erythema, purulent exudate) develop.

Lab Test Considerations:

Periodic adrenal function tests may be ordered to assess degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression in chronic topical therapy if suspected. Children and patients with dose applied to a large area, using an occlusive dressing, or using high-potency products are at highest risk for HPA suppression.
- May cause ↑ serum and urine glucose concentrations if significant absorption occurs.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Apply cream sparingly as a thin film to clean, slightly moist skin. Wash hands immediately after application. Apply occlusive dressing only if specified by physician or other health care professional.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient on correct technique of medication administration. Emphasize importance of avoiding the eyes. If a dose is missed, it should be applied as soon as remembered unless almost time for the next dose.
Caution patient to use only as directed. Avoid using cosmetics, bandages, dressings, or other skin products over the treated area unless directed by health care professional.
Advise parents of pediatric patients not to apply tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child treated in the diaper area; these garments work like an occlusive dressing and may cause more of the drug to be absorbed.
Advise patient to consult health care professional before using medicine for condition other than indicated.
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. Caution women that halcinonide should not be used extensively, in large amounts, or for protracted periods in patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Instruct patient to inform health care professional if symptoms of underlying disease return or worsen or if symptoms of infection develop.

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇