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Prednicarbate (Topical application)
Generic name: prednicarbate
Brand names: Dermatop, Dermatop E
Uses for prednicarbate
Prednicarbate (Topical application) is used to help reduce redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Precautions while using prednicarbate
It is very important that your doctor checks the progress of you or your child during 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 get worse, check with your doctor.
Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having problems with your adrenal glands. The risk is higher 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 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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before using prednicarbate
In deciding to use this medicine, you need to think about the risks and benefits. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:
Allergies
Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Studies so far have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of prednicarbate topical cream in children 1 year of age and older, or the topical ointment in children 10 years of age and older. However, due to the potential toxicity of this medicine, it should be used carefully. Children may absorb significant amounts through their skin, which can lead to serious side effects. If your child is using this medicine, follow your doctor's instructions closely. The safety and effectiveness of prednicarbate topical ointment in children younger than 10 years of age, and topical cream in children younger than 1 year of age, have not been established, and its use is not recommended.
Geriatric
There is no information available about how age affects the effects of prednicarbate topical in older patients.
Interactions with Medicines
Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if there could be interactions. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be taken with food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
Having other medical problems may affect how you use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:
- Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland disorder) or
- Diabetes or
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
- Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)—Use with caution. This may worsen these conditions.
- Infection of the skin at or near the application site or
- Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the application site—This may increase the risk of side effects.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Side Effects of prednicarbate
Along with its needed effects, Prednicarbate (Topical application) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Burning, itching, drying, scaling, or cracking of the skin
- Irritation of the skin
- Pain
- Raised, dark red, or wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
- Shininess or thinness of the skin
- Thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g., between the fingers)
Rare
- Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
- Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- Hives or welts
- Itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
- Skin rash
Incidence not known
- Irritation of the skin around the mouth
- Redness and scaling around the mouth
Some side effects 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:
Incidence not known
- Acne or pimples
- Burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
- Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
- Increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
- Lightening of normal skin color
- Lightening of the treated areas of dark skin
- Reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In the U.S.
- Dermatop
- Dermatop E
Available Dosage Forms:
- Ointment
- Emollient Cream
Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Intermediate
Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Proper use of prednicarbate
It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.
This medicine should only be used for skin conditions that your doctor is treating. Check with your doctor before using it for other conditions, especially if you think that a skin infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or conditions, such as severe burns.
Do not use the topical cream on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor, and do not use this form for more than 3 weeks.
Do not allow latex-containing products (e.g., condoms, diaphragms) to come in contact with this medicine. The latex can be damaged and the product will not be effective.
To use the cream or ointment:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
- Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
- Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- If the medicine is applied to the diaper area of an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin: For topical dosage form (cream): Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Children 1 year of age and older—Apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Children younger than 1 year of age—Use is not recommended. For topical dosage form (ointment): Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Children 10 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area of the skin two times per day. Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.