$Unique_ID{BRK01958}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{FLUOCINOLONE (TOPICAL)}
$Subject{fluocinolone acetonide (various manufacturers)
Fluonid (Herbert)
Flurosyn (Rugby)
Synalar (Syntex)
Synalar-HP (Syntex)
Synemol (Syntex)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FLUOCINOLONE (TOPICAL)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     fluocinolone acetonide (various manufacturers)
     Fluonid (Herbert)
     Flurosyn (Rugby)
     Synalar (Syntex)
     Synalar-HP (Syntex)
     Synemol (Syntex)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Adrenocorticosteroid hormone
INGREDIENT:
     fluocinolone
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Cream (0.01%, 0.025%, and 0.2%)
     Ointment (0.025%)
     Solution (0.01%)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.  This medication
       should never be frozen.

USES

     Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals.
These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body (such
as those involving fluid balance, temperature, and reaction to inflammation).
Fluocinolone belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or
cortisone-like medications).  It is used to relieve the skin inflammation
(redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort) associated with conditions such
as dermatitis, eczema, and poison ivy.  How this drug works is not completely
understood.

TREATMENT

     Before applying this medication, wash your hands.  Then, unless your
doctor gives you different instructions, gently wash the area of the skin
where the medication is to be applied.  With a clean towel, pat the area
almost dry; it should be slightly damp when you put the medicine on.
     Apply a small amount of fluocinolone to the affected area in a thin
layer.  Do not bandage the area unless your doctor tells you to do so.  If you
are to apply an occlusive dressing (like kitchen plastic wrap), ask for
instructions.  Wash your hands again after application.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next application.  In that case, do
not apply the missed dose at all; just return to your regular schedule.  Do
not put twice as much of the medication on your skin at the next application.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Acne, burning, itching, rash, or skin dryness.
     If the affected area is extremely dry or scaling, the skin may be
moistened before applying the medication by soaking in water or by applying
water with a clean cloth.  The ointment form is probably better for dry skin.
     A mild, temporary stinging sensation may occur after this medication is
applied.  If this persists, contact your doctor.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blistering, increased hair growth, irritation of the affected area, loss of
skin color, secondary infection in the area being treated, or thinning of the
skin with easy bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication should not interact with other medications as long as it
is used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to fluocinolone or any other adrenocorticosteroid
(such as amcinonide, beclomethasone, betamethasone, clocortolone, cortisone,
desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone,
fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, hydrocortisone,
methylprednisolone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and
triamcinolone).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blood vessel
disease, chicken pox, diabetes mellitus, fungal infection, peptic ulcers,
shingles, tuberculosis, tuberculosis of the skin, vaccinia, or any other type
of infection, especially at the site currently being treated.
     * If irritation develops while using this drug, immediately discontinue
its use and notify your doctor.
     * This product is not for use in the eyes, nose, or mouth; contact may
result in side effects.
     * Do not use this product with an occlusive wrap unless your doctor
directs you to do so.  Systemic absorption of this drug is increased if large
areas of the body are treated, particularly if occlusive bandages are used.
If it is necessary for you to use this drug under a wrap, follow your doctor's
instructions exactly; do not leave the wrap in place longer than specified.
     * If you are using fluocinolone on a child's diaper area, do not put
tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on the child.  This could lead to
increased systemic absorption of the drug and a possible increase in side
effects.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  If large amounts of
this drug are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed and
may cross the placenta.  Although studies in humans have not been conducted,
birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals that were given
large oral doses of this type of drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  If absorbed through the skin,
small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may cause growth
suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid hormone production
in the nursing infant.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
