Elocon Ointment 10 Gm

ELOCON OINTMENT 10 GM

Elocon Ointment is a potent topical corticosteroid used to alleviate inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of various skin conditions.

• Name:

  • Common Name: Mometasone Furoate Ointment
  • Brand Name: ELOCON OINTMENT

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Mometasone Furoate 0.1% w/w (1 mg mometasone furoate per gram).
  • Other ingredients include hexylene glycol, purified water, phosphoric acid, propylene glycol stearate, white beeswax, and white soft paraffin.

• Uses: Elocon Ointment is prescribed for the short-term relief of redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. This includes conditions such as:

  • Psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Dermatitis (e.g., atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis)

• Dosage and Administration: A thin film of Elocon Ointment should be gently rubbed into the affected skin area once daily.

  • For adults and children aged 2 years and above.
  • Do not use on the face for more than 5 days.
  • Do not apply to children on any part of their body for more than 5 days.
  • Avoid using with occlusive dressings unless specifically directed by a physician.
  • Do not apply in the diaper area of children, as diapers or plastic pants can act as occlusive dressings.
  • Therapy should be discontinued once control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, a reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Burning sensation
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Skin atrophy (thinning of the skin)
  • Stinging sensation
  • Boils (furunculosis)
  • Allergic skin reactions, bacterial and secondary skin infections, acne, inflammation of hair follicles, red marks with prickly heat, loss of skin colour, tingling, excessive hair growth, softening of skin, and stretch marks.
  • Blurred vision. Serious side effects, though rare, can include hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, particularly with prolonged use or in infants and children. Steroid withdrawal reactions may occur upon sudden discontinuation after prolonged use, characterized by redness, burning, stinging, intense itching, peeling, or oozing sores.

• Precautions:

  • Do not use if allergic to mometasone furoate or any other ingredients, or other similar medicines.
  • Avoid use on rosacea, acne, skin atrophy, perioral dermatitis, genital itching, nappy rash, cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, warts, ulcerated skin, wounds, or other skin infections, as it could worsen these conditions.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or vagina.
  • Use with caution in pediatric patients (2 years and older) for no longer than 3 weeks, as safety and efficacy for longer durations have not been established. Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
  • Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, especially strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, as they may increase systemic exposure to mometasone.
  • If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
  • Do not suddenly stop using the ointment after long-term use; gradual reduction under medical guidance is necessary to avoid withdrawal reactions.

• Storage: Store below 25°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Use within one month after opening.

Frequently Asked Questions about ELOCON OINTMENT 10 GM

ELOCON Ointment, containing mometasone furoate, is a potent topical corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions.

What is Elocon Ointment used for?

Elocon Ointment is primarily used to relieve redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and other types of dermatitis. Psoriasis causes itchy, scaly, pink patches, while dermatitis is a reaction to external agents, leading to red and itchy skin.

How does Elocon Ointment work?

Elocon Ointment contains mometasone furoate, which is a corticosteroid. It works by acting inside skin cells to inhibit the production and release of certain chemical messengers (like prostaglandins) that cause inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching in the skin. This action helps suppress the immune response and reduce allergic reactions and irritation.

What is the usual dosage of Elocon Ointment?

For adults and children aged 2 and above, a thin layer of Elocon Ointment should be gently rubbed into the affected area of skin once a day. Therapy should be discontinued once control of the condition is achieved. It is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Do not use on the face for more than 5 days, or on any part of a child's body for more than 5 days. If there's no improvement within 2 weeks, a healthcare professional should reassess the diagnosis.

What are the possible side effects of Elocon Ointment?

Like all medicines, Elocon Ointment can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include burning, stinging, itching, irritation, and thinning of the skin. Other reported side effects can include allergic skin reactions, bacterial and secondary skin infections, acne, inflammation of hair follicles, red marks with prickly heat, loss of skin color, tingling, excessive hair growth, softening of the skin, stretch marks, and blurred vision. Prolonged use, especially in children, can lead to hormonal imbalances and other systemic side effects. A steroid withdrawal reaction, with symptoms like redness, burning, stinging, intense itching, and peeling, may occur after prolonged use and stopping treatment.

Is Elocon Ointment safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safe use of Elocon Ointment during pregnancy has not been established. Topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, and not in large amounts or for prolonged periods. It is unknown if mometasone furoate is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised, and a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, considering the importance of the medicine to the mother. It is important to discuss this with your doctor.

Can Elocon Ointment be taken with other medications?

There are no specific drug-drug interaction studies conducted with Elocon Ointment. However, some medicines may interfere with Elocon. For instance, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase systemic exposure to mometasone. Concomitant use with anthralin topicals (for psoriasis) may increase psoriasis symptoms. It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, creams, ointments, lotions, vitamins, or supplements you are using.

What precautions should be taken?

Do not use Elocon Ointment if you are allergic to mometasone furoate or any of its ingredients, or to other similar medicines. Avoid using it on broken skin, open wounds, or if you have other skin problems like rosacea, acne, skin atrophy, dermatitis around the mouth, genital itching, nappy rash, cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, warts, or other skin infections, as it could worsen them. Do not apply the ointment in or around your eyes, including eyelids. Avoid using it under occlusive dressings (like bandages or plasters) unless advised by a doctor, especially on the face or in children, as this can increase systemic absorption. Long-term use or use on large areas of the body should be avoided. If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and inform your doctor.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Elocon Ointment, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

How should it be stored?

Elocon Ointment should be stored below 25°C or 30°C, depending on the specific product information, and protected from light. Do not refrigerate. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use it after the expiry date.