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Corticosteroids - topical (skin), nose, and eyes - Management
What potency of topical corticosteroids should I prescribe?
- Topical corticosteroids are available in four potencies: mildly potent, moderately potent, potent, and very potent (see Table 1 for more details). Prescribe the least potent preparation which is effective, and avoid dilution if possible.
- The potency of topical corticosteroids is determined by the amount of vasoconstriction they produce. However, potency can be affected by several factors.
Table 1. Topical corticosteroids listed in the British National Formulary.
Potency class | Non-proprietary names and strengths | Proprietary names | Formulations |
|---|
Mild | Hydrocortisone 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5% | Generic hydrocortisone, Dioderm®, Efcortelan®, Mildison® | Creams and ointments |
Moderate | Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05% | Modrasone® | Cream and ointment |
Betamethasone valerate 0.025% | Betnovate-RD® | Cream and ointment |
Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% | Eumovate® | Cream and ointment |
Fluocinolone acetonide 0.001% | Synalar 1 in 4 dilution® | Cream and ointment |
Fluocortolone 0.25% | Ultralanum Plain® | Cream and ointment |
Fludroxycortide 0.0125% | Haelan® | Cream and ointment |
Potent | Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% | Diprosone® | Cream, ointment, and lotion |
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% | Generic betamethasone valerate, Betnovate® | Cream, ointment, lotion, and scalp application. Foam (0.12%) |
Diflucortolone valerate 0.1% | Nerisone® | Cream, ointment, and oily cream |
Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% | Synalar® | Cream, ointment, and gel |
Fluocinonide 0.05% | Metosyn® | Cream and ointment |
Fluticasone propionate 0.05% | Cutivate® | Cream and ointment |
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% | Locoid® | Cream, ointment, lipocream, and scalp application |
Mometasone furoate 0.1% | Elocon® | Cream, ointment, and scalp application |
Very potent | Clobetasol propionate 0.1% | Dermovate®, Clarelux® | Cream, ointment, and scalp application |
Diflucortolone valerate 0.3% | Nerisone Forte® | Ointment and oily cream |
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