Elocon

Elocon (mometasone furoate) is a high-potency topical corticosteroid formulation designed for the targeted treatment of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. As a class IV corticosteroid, it offers potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties with an optimized safety profile when used appropriately. This monograph provides comprehensive clinical information for healthcare professionals regarding its pharmacological characteristics, therapeutic applications, and practical management considerations in dermatological practice.

Features

• Contains mometasone furoate 0.1% as active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Available in multiple formulations: cream, ointment, lotion, and topical solution
• Hydrocarbon-based vehicle systems for enhanced drug delivery
• pH-balanced formulations compatible with skin physiology
• Paraben-free preservative systems in select formulations
• Non-comedogenic base in cream formulation
• Occlusive properties in ointment formulation for enhanced penetration
• Rapid absorption with minimal systemic exposure

Benefits

• Provides rapid relief from inflammation, erythema, and pruritus within 24-48 hours of initiation
• Demonstrates high receptor binding affinity with prolonged anti-inflammatory activity
• Reduced frequency of application (once-daily dosing) compared to lower-potency corticosteroids
• Minimal systemic absorption due to extensive first-pass metabolism in the skin
• Suitable for short-term and intermittent long-term management of chronic conditions
• Multiple vehicle options allow for tailored therapy based on lesion characteristics and body site

Common use

Elocon is indicated for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis), seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus. It is particularly effective in managing subacute and chronic inflammatory conditions where more potent anti-inflammatory action is required than provided by lower-class corticosteroids. Clinical studies demonstrate efficacy in both pediatric populations (ages 2 years and older) and adults across various anatomical sites, with particular utility in areas resistant to treatment with milder corticosteroids.

Dosage and direction

Apply a thin film of Elocon to the affected area once daily. The amount required depends on the size of the treatment area; the fingertip unit (FTU) method is recommended for accurate dosing (1 FTU = approximately 0.5g, covering an area of two adult palms). For most dermatoses, application should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks, with re-evaluation if continued therapy is necessary. Occlusive dressings may be used for resistant lesions but increase systemic absorption and should be limited to 12-hour periods under medical supervision. Wash hands after application unless being treated for hand dermatitis. Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.

Precautions

Use under medical supervision only. Avoid use on the face, groin, and axillae unless directed by a physician due to increased risk of atrophy and striae. Discontinue if irritation develops. Not recommended for use under occlusive dressings in children. Monitor patients for signs of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression when used on large surface areas, in prolonged therapy, or with occlusive dressings. Use with caution in patients with liver impairment. Pregnancy Category C: use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus. Not recommended in nursing women unless absolutely necessary.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to mometasone furoate or any component of the formulation. Contraindicated in patients with viral skin infections (herpes simplex, varicella), fungal infections, bacterial skin infections without appropriate concomitant antimicrobial therapy, parasitic infections, acne rosacea, perioral dermatitis, and tuberculosis of the skin. Should not be used in the presence of cutaneous atrophy or fragile skin veins. Not for use in children under 2 years of age.

Possible side effect

Common local reactions include burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, and hypopigmentation. Less frequently observed effects include skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, telangiectasia, and contact dermatitis. Systemic absorption may lead to reversible HPA axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. The incidence of systemic effects is generally low with appropriate use but increases with prolonged use, application to large surface areas, use of occlusive dressings, or use on more permeable skin areas.

Drug interaction

No specific drug interactions have been formally studied. However, concomitant use with other corticosteroids (systemic or topical) may increase the risk of HPA axis suppression. Use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs may require additional monitoring. The effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes is considered minimal due to low systemic exposure, but theoretical interactions exist with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

Missed dose

Apply as soon as remembered if within a few hours of the scheduled time. If close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra medication to make up for a missed dose. Maintain the once-daily application schedule without doubling applications.

Overdose

Acute overdose is unlikely due to limited systemic absorption. However, chronically excessive application may lead to systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and HPA axis suppression. Treatment involves discontinuation of the product with supportive management of systemic corticosteroid effects if present. HPA axis function typically recovers within days to weeks after discontinuation. Symptomatic management should be provided for any clinical manifestations of hypercorticism.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Keep tube tightly closed when not in use. Protect from freezing and excessive heat. Do not store in bathroom where moisture levels may fluctuate. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Discard any medication that has changed color, consistency, or shows signs of separation. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment when treating patients. Prescription and use of this medication should be based on individual patient assessment and in accordance with approved product labeling. The prescriber should be familiar with the complete prescribing information before initiating therapy.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that Elocon provides significant improvement in physician-assessed severity scores and patient-reported pruritus relief compared to vehicle and active comparators. In a 3-week randomized controlled trial involving patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, 78% of patients using mometasone furoate cream 0.1% once daily achieved treatment success versus 32% in the vehicle group (p<0.001). Long-term safety studies support intermittent use for up to 12 months in adults with chronic dermatoses with maintenance of efficacy and favorable safety profile. Dermatologists frequently report high satisfaction with its efficacy in resistant cases and appreciate the formulation options for different clinical scenarios.