Synalar Side Effects

Generic name: fluocinolone topical

Note: This document contains side effect information about fluocinolone topical. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Synalar.

Some side effects of Synalar may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to fluocinolone topical: topical cream, topical kit, topical ointment, topical shampoo, topical solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking fluocinolone topical (the active ingredient contained in Synalar) hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing fluocinolone topical through your skin, such as:

• blurred vision, headache;

• thinning skin, easy bruising;

• mood changes;

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• muscle weakness, feeling tired.

Common side effects may include:

• mild skin itching, burning, peeling, or dryness;

• thinning or softening of your skin;

• swollen hair follicles;

• blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin;

• changes in color of treated skin;

• skin rash or irritation around your mouth; or

• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to fluocinolone topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical kit, topical lotion, topical oil, topical ointment, topical shampoo, topical solution

Local

Local side effects of fluocinolone have commonly included burning, itching, or irritation, especially when applied to denuded skin. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids has resulted in skin atrophy and thinning, and the development of striae, telangiectasia, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and easy bruising and bleeding. Allergic contact dermatitis has been occasionally reported.

Skin atrophy may become evident within one to two months of use and is due to the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on collagen formation. Skin on the face, axillae, and groin appear to be most susceptible to the adverse, long-term effects of topical fluocinolone. Use of high potency topical corticosteroids on these areas should be minimized or avoided.

Topical corticosteroid use may inhibit local immune response rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis has occasionally been reported.

Perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like dermatitis has occurred in patients treated with potent topical corticosteroids who are of seborrheic skin type. This condition may flare temporarily upon discontinuation of topical steroids, prompting patients to continue their use. If topical corticosteroids are discontinued, this flare and the initial dermatitis generally resolves over a few weeks.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included the rare suppression the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This suppression has been more likely when higher potency topical corticosteroids were used over extensive areas and when occlusive dressings were used.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included the development of glaucoma in a young male who applied the steroid to his eyelids for a period of several years.

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