Halcinonide

Contraindications

Underlying infection

Hypersensitivity

Ophthalmic use

Cautions

Chronic topical corticosteroid 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

Kaposi's sarcoma reported with prolonged corticosteroid therapy

Children may exhibit greater susceptibility to corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome due to larger skin surface area to body weight ratio

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

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

Halcinonide is used in the treatment of:

• Facial Dermatoses
• Foot Dermatoses
• Hand Dermatoses
• Inflammation
• Leg Dermatoses
• Scalp Dermatoses

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Halcinonide is available in the following forms:

• Topical Cream
• Topical Ointment
• Topical Solution

• If you have an allergy to halcinonide or any other part of halcinonide.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Use halcinonide as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Do not take this medicine by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not put on the face, underarms, or the groin area unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
• Very bad skin irritation.

Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. May depress the formation, release, and activity of endogenous chemical mediators of inflammation (kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes, prostaglandins) through the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins) and sequential inhibition of the release of arachidonic acid. Halcinonide has high range potency.

Absorption

Dependent on strength of preparation, amount applied, integrity of skin at application site, vehicle, and use of occlusive dressing; increased in areas of skin damage, inflammation, or occlusion.

Metabolism

Primarily hepatic

Excretion

Urine

Steroid-responsive dermatoses: Topical: Apply sparingly 2-3 times daily, occlusive dressing may be used for severe or resistant dermatoses; a thin film is effective; avoid excessive application. Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.

Refer to adult dosing.

Store at room temperature; avoid excessive heat ≥40°C (≥104°F)