Aclovate Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Aclovate Ointment (alclometasone dipropionate) is a mild topical corticosteroid applied to the skin to relieve inflammation and itching from corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and allergic reactions. It works by calming the skin's immune response, narrowing blood vessels, and blocking chemicals that cause inflammation. It is applied as a thin layer, typically two to three times a day, and is available as a cream or ointment at 0.05% strength.

What is Aclovate Ointment

Aclovate is a topical steroid cream or ointment applied to the skin. It is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by various skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Aclovate Ointment uses

• Relief of inflammation and itching caused by corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions
• Allergic reactions
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis

Benefits of Aclovate Ointment

• Provides quick relief from itching and redness
• Mild strength means fewer systemic effects than stronger corticosteroids
• Many people notice improvement within days of starting treatment
• Available in both cream and ointment forms to suit different skin types

How Aclovate Ointment works

Aclovate reduces swelling, redness, and itching by calming the immune system's response in the skin. It narrows blood vessels where it's applied, which helps lower swelling, and blocks certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Aclovate Ointment dosage

Wash your hands before and after use, unless you are treating the skin on your hands. Clean the affected area and dry it well before applying. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub it in gently until it disappears. Do not apply over a large area of skin.

Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated area unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use on the face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor directs you to. Do not use to treat diaper rash, and avoid tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants over treated skin.

Do not use for longer than your doctor recommends. Keep the medicine out of your eyes, mouth, and nose. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, then go back to your normal schedule; do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose. Not recommended for children younger than 1 year old; use with care in older children.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (0.05%)
• Ointment (0.05%)

Side effects of Aclovate Ointment

Common

• Stinging, burning, or itching of treated skin
• Skin irritation or dryness
• Redness
• Rash or acne
• Lightened color of treated skin
• Folliculitis (redness or crusting around hair follicles)
• Blisters or pimples
• Crusting of treated skin
• Stretch marks

Serious

• Blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Weight gain or puffiness in the face
• Muscle weakness or feeling very tired
• Signs of high blood sugar such as confusion, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, or fruity-smelling breath
• Signs of weak adrenal glands such as severe upset stomach or vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, mood changes, loss of appetite, or weight loss
• Signs of Cushing's syndrome such as weight gain in the upper back or belly, rounded 'moon' face, severe headache, or slow wound healing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Aclovate to treat diaper rash, and avoid tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants over treated areas, since this can increase how much of the drug gets absorbed into the body.
• The medicine can be absorbed through the skin, especially over large areas or under coverings, and may cause whole-body steroid effects including suppression of the body's natural hormone production.
• Children may absorb more of the drug through their skin than adults and may be at higher risk of side effects, including slowed growth.
• Do not use on the face, underarms, or groin unless your doctor tells you to, since these areas absorb more of the medicine.
• Do not use on broken, infected, or damaged skin, or in open wounds.
• If your skin doesn't improve within two weeks of treatment, or gets worse, contact your doctor.
• Aclovate should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the baby. It is not known if it can harm an unborn baby.
• It isn't known whether Aclovate passes into breast milk when applied to the skin, so caution is advised and you should talk with your doctor before breastfeeding.
• Do not apply to infected skin unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid prolonged use or applying large amounts.
• It isn't known if drinking alcohol affects this medicine.
• Use on the face, groin, or underarms only when advised by a healthcare professional.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Do not freeze
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Throw away unused or expired medicine properly; do not flush down the toilet or pour down the drain unless instructed; ask your pharmacist about drug take-back programs

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, or a racing heart.
• Seek medical care right away if you have serious eye symptoms like sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Seek medical care right away for serious heart symptoms such as a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness or fainting.
• Seek medical help right away for a severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, heavy sweating, or tremors.
• If someone accidentally swallows this medicine, get emergency medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse.

Alternatives

• Desonide Ointment
• Hydrocortisone Ointment
• Alclometasone Ointment