Amcinonide is used to treat swelling and itching of the skin, caused by certain skin conditions, such psoriasis and eczema. It works by reducing inflammation or swelling of the skin.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Apply the medication in a thin layer to the affected area 1 or 2 times daily and rub in gently.

Amcinonide should be used for a maximum of 5 days on the face, scalp, and skin fold areas (e.g., armpit, groin) and a maximum of 2 to 3 weeks on the body.

Do not cover the area with an occlusive dressing (a dressing that doesn't breathe), such as plastic wrap, as this may cause unwanted effects.

This medication should be used cautiously if infection is present, and should be applied carefully to avoid spreading the infection.

Do not apply amcinonide to the eyes and apply it carefully to the skin around the eyes.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an application of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Cream

Each g contains amcinonide 1 mg (0.1%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol as the preservative, emulsifying wax NF, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, lactic acid, purified water, and sorbitol solution.

Ointment

Each g contains amcinonide 1 mg (0.1%) in a formulated base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, emulsifying wax NF, Tennox II, and white petrolateum.

Lotion

Each bottle contains amcinonide 0.1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol as a preservative, emulsifying wax NF, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, lactic acid, purified water, and sorbitol solution.

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to amcinonide or any ingredients of the medication
• are applying it to skin irritation around the mouth
• are applying it to treat either rosacea or acne vulgaris
• are sensitive to other corticosteroids
• have certain viral diseases such as herpes simplex, vaccinia, or varicella (chickenpox)
• have fungal diseases of the skin
• have tuberculosis of the skin
• have untreated bacterial infections

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning, dryness, irritation, itching, or redness of skin (usually mild and temporary)
• increased redness or scaling of skin sores (usually mild and temporary)
• skin rash (usually mild and temporary)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blood-containing blisters on skin
• burning and itching of skin
• lack of healing of skin condition
• raised, dark-red, wart-like spots on skin, especially when used on the face
• skin discoloration
• skin infection
• "spider veins" or blood vessels visible through the skin
• stretch marks
• thinning of skin with easy bruising

Additional side effects may occur if this medication is used improperly or for long periods of time. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, dizziness, itching, rash, swelling)
• symptoms of high levels of corticosteroids in the blood stream (e.g., fatigue, increased thirst and urination, irritability, muscle weakness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Tell all health professionals involved in your care that you have been using topical (skin-applied) corticosteroids.

Absorption: When amcinonide is used over extensive areas for prolonged periods or under dressings that don't breathe, it is possible that enough medication will absorb into the bloodstream to cause unwanted side effects. Use amcinonide for brief periods only and stop using it as soon as the problem clears.

Adverse effects: Although adverse effects associated with the use of this medication are uncommon and not to be expected from ordinary use, sensitization, irritation, and failure of the skin condition to improve have been noticed in rare instances.

Circulation problems: Poor circulation may increase the risk of developing infections or developing sensitivity to this medication. If you have poor circulation, or leg ulcers caused by poor circulation, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Eyes: Use this medication carefully on lesions close to the eye. Take care to ensure that it does not enter the eye, as glaucoma may result. Cataracts have been reported following internal use of corticosteroids. If you notice any changes to your vision while using amcinonide, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Infection: Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing a skin infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any increased redness, swelling, heat, or pain around the area where the medication is applied as these are possible signs of infection.

Thinning of skin: The use of topical corticosteroid medications for a long period of time can cause changes to the skin. It may thin, soften, or develop stretch marks. Suddenly stopping corticosteroid medication may cause psoriasis to return. Talk to your doctor about the best way to stop this medication if this is recommended, as your doctor may suggest you stop using this medication once in a while or to apply to one area of the body at a time.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if amcinonide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The active ingredient in this medication, amcinonide, belongs to the family of medications known as corticosteroids. Children may be more likely to experience the side effects encountered by using large amounts this class medication for long periods of time (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain). This medication is not recommended for use in children under the age of 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may be more at risk of absorbing this medication and developing side effects from this medication. The smallest quantity of amcinonide should be used for the shortest possible duration.

There may be an interaction between amcinonide and any of the following:

• other topical medications that contain corticosteroids or that have irritating effects

If you are using any medications that fit this description, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.