alclometasone dipropionate at a glance
Medicine class
Moderately potent topical corticosteroid
Usual role
Relieves inflammatory and itchy corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions
Administration
Apply a thin film to affected skin and massage it in gently; wash hands afterwards unless treating them
Fire safety
Keep treated fabrics away from smoking and naked flames because product residue can make them burn more easily
What is alclometasone dipropionate used for?
The selected product is licensed for inflammatory and itchy skin disorders that respond to corticosteroids.
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including eczema and dermatitis
How does alclometasone dipropionate work?
Alclometasone dipropionate activates corticosteroid pathways within skin cells, reducing local inflammatory signalling. This helps lessen redness, swelling and itching, although it does not remove the underlying tendency for a skin condition to recur.
alclometasone dipropionate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.05% w/w
How to take alclometasone dipropionate
For use on the skin only. Apply a thin film to the affected area and massage gently until absorbed. Wash hands before and after application unless the hands are being treated. Avoid the eyes and do not cover treated skin with an airtight dressing, tight clothing or a nappy unless specifically instructed. Keep treated clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes.
Use only on the skin areas identified by the prescriber.
Do not use on a new body area without professional advice.
Allow emollient and corticosteroid applications to absorb separately so one does not dilute the other.
alclometasone dipropionate side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effects are identified as common in the selected product information. Reported local reactions include itching, burning, redness, dryness, irritation and small raised rashes.
Get urgent medical advice
- Skin thinning, stretch marks or visible superficial blood vessels, especially following excessive or prolonged use
- Secondary skin infection or allergic contact dermatitis
- Systemic corticosteroid effects, including adrenal suppression, particularly with extensive, covered or prolonged application and in children
- Withdrawal reaction with spreading redness, burning or stinging, intense itching, peeling or oozing sores
alclometasone dipropionate in pregnancy
Topical corticosteroids are generally considered usable during pregnancy, with no known pregnancy risks identified by UK pregnancy specialists. The selected product information advises a prescriber-led benefit–risk assessment and avoiding extensive or prolonged exposure. Treatment should be reviewed if pregnancy begins while it is being used.
alclometasone dipropionate while breastfeeding
Topical corticosteroids can generally be used while breastfeeding because maternal and milk exposure is expected to be very low. Avoid direct infant contact with treated skin and wash hands before handling the baby. If applied to the breast, remove it with warm water before feeding and reapply afterwards; obtain individual advice for premature or unwell infants.
alclometasone dipropionate interactions
The selected product information reports no known medicine interactions. Absorption and adverse effects can nevertheless increase when treated skin is covered.
Common questions about alclometasone dipropionate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is alclometasone dipropionate a steroid?
Yes. It is a moderately potent corticosteroid applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and itching.
What skin conditions is alclometasone dipropionate used for?
It is licensed for inflammatory, itchy skin disorders that respond to corticosteroids, including eczema and dermatitis.
Can alclometasone dipropionate be used on the face?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.