Medications and Drugs

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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

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