Amcinonide topical

Generic name: amcinonide topical [ am-SIN-oh-nide ]
Brand name: Cyclocort
Dosage forms: topical cream (0.1%), topical lotion (0.1%), topical ointment (0.1%)
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 29, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is amcinonide topical?

Amcinonide is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Amcinonide topical (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

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

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 amcinonide if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;

• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

• liver disease; or

• an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether amcinonide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using amcinonide topical.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use amcinonide 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. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Wash your hands before and after using amcinonide, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

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

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

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 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of amcinonide topical 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 amcinonide topical?

Avoid getting amcinonide topical in your eyes.

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

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with amcinonide, unless your doctor has told you to.

Amcinonide topical side effects

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

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

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

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

• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, pain behind the eyes, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing or gaining weight at a normal rate while using amcinonide topical.

Common side effects of amcinonide topical may include:

• burning, itching, irritation, or dryness of treated skin;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

• acne, increased hair growth;

• stretch marks, thinning skin; or

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin (caused by covering treated skin with a tight bandage or other covering).

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.

What other drugs will affect amcinonide topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more 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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.

Amcinonide (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 28, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Cyclocort

In Canada

• Amcinonide
• Cyclocort Cream
• Cyclocort Lotion
• Cyclocort Ointment

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Cream
• Lotion

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Strong

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Uses for amcinonide

Amcinonide topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. Amcinonide is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

Amcinonide is available only with your doctor''s prescription.

Before using amcinonide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For amcinonide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to amcinonide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of amcinonide topical in the pediatric population. However, because of amcinonide''s toxicity, it should be used with caution. Children may absorb large amounts through the skin, which can cause serious side effects. If your child is using amcinonide, follow your doctor''s instructions very carefully.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of amcinonide topical in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell 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 used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of amcinonide. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, 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. May make these conditions worse.

• Infection of the skin at or near the place of application or
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application—The chance of side effects may be increased.

Proper use of amcinonide

It is very important that you use amcinonide 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.

Amcinonide is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes. 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.

Amcinonide 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. Amcinonide should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or conditions, such as severe burns.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using amcinonide.
• Apply a thin layer of amcinonide to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
• With the lotion, protect the skin from water, clothing, or anything that causes rubbing until the medicine has dried.
• 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.
• If your doctor ordered an occlusive dressing or airtight covering to be applied over the medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin, so use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of amcinonide 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 amcinonide. 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 topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and ointment):
  • For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin:
    • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to three times per day.
    • Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to three times per day.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of amcinonide, 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.

Precautions while using amcinonide

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits for any unwanted effects that may be caused by amcinonide.

If your or your child''s symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of amcinonide or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater 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 you are using amcinonide: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Stop using amcinonide 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.

Amcinonide side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• irritation
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g. between the fingers)

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 treated areas of dark skin
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• softening of the skin

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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer