Fluocinonide Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Feb 16, 2024.

Applies to fluocinonide topical: topical application cream, topical application emollient cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application ointment, topical application solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits for any unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

Other side effects

Some side effects of fluocinonide topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, fluocinonide topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluocinonide topical:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to fluocinonide topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical ointment, topical solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were burning, itching, irritation, and dryness.

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Application site burning
• Frequency not reported: Itching, dryness
• Postmarketing reports: Discoloration, erythema, pruritus, swelling, pain, condition aggravated^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension (including bulging fontanelles, bilateral papilledema)
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria
• Postmarketing reports: Acne, dry skin, rash, skin exfoliation, skin tightness^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%) Nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is a substitute for fluocinonide cream?
• Is fluocinonide used for hair loss?
• Is fluocinonide an antifungal cream?
• How long should you use fluocinonide for?
• What is fluocinonide cream good for?
• Is fluocinonide a steroid?
• Is fluocinonide an antibiotic?
• Is fluocinonide safe to use on your face?
• What causes Plaque Psoriasis?

Further information

Fluocinonide topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer