Amcinonide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2023.

Pronunciation

(am SIN oh nide)

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Cream, External:

Generic: 0.1% (15 g, 30 g, 60 g)

Lotion, External:

Generic: 0.1% (60 mL)

Ointment, External:

Generic: 0.1% (60 g)

Pharmacologic Category

• Corticosteroid, Topical

Pharmacology

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. Amcinonide has high potency.

Absorption

Adequate through intact skin; increases with skin inflammation or occlusion

Metabolism

Hepatic

Excretion

Urine and feces

Use: Labeled Indications

Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (high potency corticosteroid)

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to amcinonide or any component of the formulation; use on the face, groin, or axilla

Related/similar drugs

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

Dosing: Adult

Steroid-responsive dermatoses: Topical: Apply in a thin film 2-3 times/day. Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Drug Interactions

Aldesleukin: Corticosteroids may diminish the antineoplastic effect of Aldesleukin. Avoid combination

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.

Central nervous system: Localized burning

Dermatologic: Acne vulgaris, allergic dermatitis, atrophic striae, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, hypopigmentation, local dryness, maceration of the skin, miliaria, pruritus, skin atrophy, telangiectasia

Endocrine & metabolic: Cushing's syndrome, growth suppression (long-term use), HPA-axis suppression, hyperglycemia; these reactions occur more frequently with occlusive dressings

Infection: Secondary infection

Local: Local irritation

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Adrenal suppression: May cause hypercortisolism or suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly in younger children or in patients receiving high doses for prolonged periods. HPA axis suppression may lead to adrenal crisis.

• Contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis can occur, it is usually diagnosed by failure to heal rather than clinical exacerbation.

• Kaposi's sarcoma: Prolonged treatment with corticosteroids has been associated with the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (case reports); if noted, discontinuation of therapy should be considered.

• Systemic effects: Topical corticosteroids may be absorbed percutaneously. Absorption of topical corticosteroids may cause manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, or glycosuria. Absorption is increased by the use of occlusive dressings, application to denuded skin, or application to large surface areas.

Disease-related concerns:

• Infected/weeping lesions: Occlusive dressings should not be used in presence of infection or weeping lesions.

Special populations:

• Pediatric: Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts after topical application and may be more prone to systemic effects. HPA axis suppression, intracranial hypertension, and Cushing's syndrome have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Prolonged use may affect growth velocity; growth should be routinely monitored in pediatric patients.

Pregnancy Risk Factor C Pregnancy Considerations

Teratogenic effects have been observed in animals administered potent topical corticosteroids. Topical products are not recommended for extensive use, in large quantities, or for long periods of time in pregnant women.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat skin irritation.

• It is used to treat skin rashes.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Itching

• Burning

• Stinging

• Dry skin

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:

• High blood sugar like confusion, fatigue, more thirst, increased hunger, passing a lot of urine, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.

• Cushing disease like weight gain in upper back or abdomen; moon face; severe headache; or slow healing.

• Adrenal gland problems like severe nausea, vomiting, severe dizziness, passing out, muscle weakness, severe fatigue, mood changes, lack of appetite, or weight loss.

• Skin changes like pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, or hair growth.

• Skin discoloration

• Skin thinning

• Skin irritation

• 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, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

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