Adult: As 0.1% or 0.3% cream/oint: Apply thinly to affected area bid, may reduce to once daily if condition improves. Max: 60 g wkly (0.3%). Max duration: 4 wk (0.1%); 2 wk (0.3%). Child: 1-4 yr As 0.1% cream/oint: Apply thinly to affected area bid, may reduce to once daily if condition improves. Max duration: 5 days; ≥5 yr As 0.1% or 0.3% cream/oint: Apply thinly to affected area bid, may reduce to once daily if condition improves. Max duration: 1-2 wk; 5 days (face).
Contraindications
Acne vulgaris, undiagnosed perianal and genital pruritus, napkin eruptions, viral infections, untretated bacterial or fungal skin infections, post-vaccination skin reactions, rosacea, perioral dermatitis. Childn <5 yr (0.3% oint/cream).
Special Precautions
Patient w/ psoriasis, stasis dermatitis, leg ulcers. Prolonged use of occlusive dressings. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation.
Monitor for hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression through ACTH stimulation test, plasma cortisol test, and urinary free cortisol test.
Action
Description: Diflucortolone is a glucocorticoid that has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. It induces phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins) and sequentially inhibits the release of arachidonic acid, hence depresses the formation, release, and activity of endogenous chemical inflammatory mediators. Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Absorbed percutaneously; may be absorbed systemically. Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver. Excretion: Via urine (75%) and faeces (25%). Elimination half-life: Approx 4-5 hr.
Chemical Structure
Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Diflucortolone, CID=11954369, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Diflucortolone (accessed on Jan. 21, 2020)