ELOCON
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ELOCON (ELOCON).
Elocon (mometasone furoate) is a synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. It binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, leading to increased synthesis of lipocortins that inhibit phospholipase A2, thereby reducing arachidonic acid release and subsequent prostaglandin and leukotriene formation. It also suppresses cytokine production and inflammatory cell migration.
| Metabolism | Minimal percutaneous absorption; systemically absorbed fraction is metabolized in the liver primarily via CYP3A4-mediated pathways to inactive metabolites, which are excreted renally and in bile. |
| Excretion | Primarily hepatic metabolism; metabolites excreted renally and in feces. Approximately 60% of a topical dose is excreted in urine as metabolites, 30% in feces. |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life approximately 5-7 hours after topical application. Systemic half-life is short, limiting systemic accumulation with topical use. |
| Protein binding | Approximately 98-99% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 1.4 L/kg after intravenous administration, indicating extensive tissue distribution. Topical use results in negligible systemic distribution due to low percutaneous absorption. |
| Bioavailability | Topical: Systemic bioavailability is approximately 0.5-1% of the applied dose with intact skin, increasing with skin damage or prolonged use. |
| Onset of Action | Topical: Onset of anti-inflammatory effect typically within hours to days; symptomatic relief may begin within 1-2 days of regular application. |
| Duration of Action | Topical: Duration of effect persists for several days with regular application. Clinical improvement is maintained with continued use; rebound may occur upon discontinuation. |
| Molecular Weight | 521.43 |
| Action Class | Glucocorticoids |
| Brand Substitutes | Momsutik Cream, Mosol Cream, Supramom 1mg Cream, Elosone Cream, Gecort 1mg Cream, Momax 0.1% Ointment, Most Ointment, Meta 0.1% Ointment, Zomba 0.1% Ointment, Momvate Ointment |
Apply a thin film to affected skin area once daily. Use no more than 45 g per week.
| Dosage form | OINTMENT |
| Renal impairment | No dosage adjustment required for topical use. |
| Liver impairment | No dosage adjustment required for topical use. |
| Pediatric use | Apply a thin film to affected area once daily. Use no more than 15 g per week. Not recommended for children under 2 years. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution; apply smallest amount for shortest duration due to increased skin atrophy risk. |
| 1st trimester | Topical corticosteroids are generally avoided in first trimester due to theoretical risk of cleft palate; use only if potential benefit justifies risk. |
| 2nd trimester | Limited data; use only if clearly needed and on small areas for short duration. |
| 3rd trimester | Avoid prolonged use on large areas; potential for fetal growth restriction and adrenal suppression. |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ELOCON (ELOCON).
| Placental transfer | Limited data; systemic absorption after topical use is minimal but may cross placenta if applied to large areas or under occlusion. |
| Breastfeeding | Minimal systemic absorption after topical application; unlikely to cause adverse effects in infant. Avoid application to breast area to prevent infant ingestion. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Serious Effects |
Hypersensitivity to mometasone or any componentsUntreated bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infectionsPerioral dermatitisRosacea
| Precautions | Systemic absorption may produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, especially with prolonged use, large surface area, occlusive dressings, or in pediatric patients., Local adverse reactions including atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration, secondary infection, and miliaria., Use with caution on face, axillae, and groin due to increased risk of atrophic changes., Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. |
| Food/Dietary | No significant food interactions. |
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| Lactation Rating |
| L2 |
| Teratogenic Risk | Topical corticosteroids are generally considered low risk during pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. However, prolonged use or application to large areas may increase systemic exposure. Animal studies have shown teratogenicity with systemic corticosteroids, but no well-controlled human studies exist. Use during first trimester should be limited to small areas for short duration. Risk to fetus cannot be ruled out. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor for signs of maternal adrenal suppression with extensive or prolonged use. No specific fetal monitoring required unless used in large amounts or over long periods. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility in humans based on limited data. Animal studies have not shown impairment of fertility. |
| Clinical Pearls | Elocon (mometasone furoate) is a medium-potency topical corticosteroid. Avoid use on face, groin, or axillae due to increased risk of atrophy. Not for ophthalmic use. Use sparingly and for shortest duration necessary, especially in children due to HPA axis suppression risk. Occlusion increases systemic absorption. |
| Patient Advice | Apply a thin layer to affected skin only, usually once daily. · Do not cover the area with bandages or wraps unless directed by doctor. · Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or broken skin. · Do not use for longer than prescribed; overuse can cause skin thinning. |