Generic name: mometasone topical [ moe-MET-a-sone ]
Brand name: Elocon
Dosage forms: topical cream (0.1%), topical lotion (0.1%), topical ointment (0.1%)
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is mometasone topical?

Mometasone topical is a potent steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Mometasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or itching.

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

Mometasone topical side effects

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

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

• severe skin irritation;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or

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

Mometasone topical can affect growth in children and should not be used long-term.

Common side effects of mometasone topical may include:

• red or pus-filled bumps on your skin;

• acne; or

• mild itching, tingling, or burning.

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

Rinvoq, prednisone, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, methotrexate, promethazine

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 mometasone topical if you are allergic to mometasone.

Do not use mometasone topical to treat diaper rash.

Do not use this medicine on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects. Mometasone topical may not be safe to use on a child for longer than 3 weeks.

Mometasone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

How should I use mometasone 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.

Wash your hands before and after using mometasone topical, unless you are using the medicine on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply mometasone topical over a large area of skin.

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

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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.

An overdose of mometasone topical is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses 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 mometasone topical?

Rinse with water if mometasone topical gets in your eyes.

Avoid applying mometasone topical to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor has told you to.

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

What other drugs will affect mometasone topical?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• steroid medicine you take by mouth; or

• steroid medicine you apply to your skin or scalp.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mometasone topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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

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