Clocortolone topical

Generic name: clocortolone topical [ kloe-KOR-toe-lone ]
Brand names: Cloderm, Cloderm Pump
Dosage form: topical cream (0.1%)
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 10, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is clocortolone topical?

Clocortolone is a steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Clocortolone topical (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by psoriasis, eczema, or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Clocortolone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clocortolone topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clocortolone topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• possible signs of absorbing clocortolone topical through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects of clocortolone topical may include:

• burning, itching, or dryness of treated skin;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

• increased hair growth;

• acne, skin rash;

• stretch marks, thinning skin;

• lightened color of treated skin; or

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin (caused by leaving wound dressings on treated skin for long periods of time).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, methotrexate, Humira, Dupixent, adalimumab, Stelara, Remicade

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use clocortolone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;

• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine; or

• an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether clocortolone topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply clocortolone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use clocortolone topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Wash your hands before and after using clocortolone, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Clocortolone topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:

Apply sparingly to the affected areas three times a day and rub in gently

Comments:
-Occlusive dressings may be used; however, if an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and anti-microbial therapy initiated.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Eczema:

Apply sparingly to the affected areas three times a day and rub in gently

Comments:
-Occlusive dressings may be used; however, if an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and anti-microbial therapy initiated.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:

Apply sparingly to the affected areas three times a day and rub in gently

Comments:
-Occlusive dressings may be used; however, if an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and anti-microbial therapy initiated.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Eczema:

Apply sparingly to the affected areas three times a day and rub in gently

Comments:
-Occlusive dressings may be used; however, if an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and anti-microbial therapy initiated.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of clocortolone topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using clocortolone topical?

Avoid getting clocortolone topical in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Do not use clocortolone topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect clocortolone topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.