Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Annette O. Gbemudu, PharmD, MBA
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: mometasone
BRAND NAME: Elocon
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Mometasone is a synthetic (man-made)
glucocorticoid (steroid) that is used on the skin to relieve itching and
inflammation of eczema, dermatitis, allergy and other
skin rashes. The
naturally-occurring glucocorticoid is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is
produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Drugs within the same class as
mometasone include betamethasone dipropionate
(Diprosone), triamcinolone (Aristocort), diflorasone diacetate (Florone), and others.
Application of glucocorticoids such as mometasone to the skin may suppress the
body's own production of cortisol by the adrenal glands; however mometasone and
others within its class are considered intermediate in potency and are less
likely to have this effect as compared to highly potent glucocorticoids.
Mometasone works by suppressing inflammation and the immune response associated
with inflammation. Mometasone was approved by the FDA in 1987.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS: Ointment, cream, and lotion, all in a 0.1%
concentration.
STORAGE: All preparations should be kept between 2-25 C (36-77 F).
The lotion should be shaken before each use.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Uses of mometasone include allergic dermatitis,
atopic
dermatitis, contact dermatitis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, discoid
lupus
erythematosus, genital organ pruritus, granuloma annulare, lichen simplex
chronicus, plaque psoriasis, pruritus ani
(anal itching), psoriasis of the scalp, and
seborrheic dermatitis.
DOSING: To use mometasone cream or ointment, a thin film should be
applied to the affected skin once daily. To apply the lotion, a few drops should
be place on the affected areas once daily and massaged lightly until it
disappears.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The combination of mometasone and anthralin
topicals (used to treat psoriasis) should not be used since concomitant use may
increase the symptoms of psoriasis. It is therefore advisable to discontinue
topical steroids one week before starting anthralin.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies in
pregnant women. Therefore,
topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if mometasone is secreted in
breast
milk therefore caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with
mometasone are stinging, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, or redness of
the skin which may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 7/31/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Skin RSS