Aclovate

alclometasone (topical)

(al-kloe-met-a-sone) alclometasone,

Aclovate

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: anti inflammatories steroidal
Pharmacologic: corticosteroids
Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Management of inflammation and pruritis associated with various allergic/immunologic skin problems.

Action

Suppresses normal immune response and inflammation.

Therapeutic effects

Suppression of dermatologic inflammation and immune processes.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal. Prolonged use on large surface areas or large amounts applied or use of occlusive dressings may increase systemic absorption.Distribution: Remains primarily at site of action.Metabolism and Excretion: Usually metabolized in skin.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile (response depends on condition being treated)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Topical	min–hrs	hrs–days	hrs–days

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity or known intolerance to corticosteroids or components of vehicle (ointment base or preservatives); Untreated bacterial or viral infections.Use Cautiously in: Hepatic dysfunction; Diabetes mellitus, cataracts, glaucoma, or tuberculosis (if significant systemic absorption occurs, condition may worsen ); Patients with pre-existing skin atrophy; Obstetric / Lactation: Chronic use at high-dosages may result in adrenal suppression in mother and growth suppression in children; Pediatric: Children may be more susceptible to adrenal and growth suppression.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Dermatologic

allergic contact dermatitis
atrophy
burning
dryness
edema
folliculitis
hypersensitivity reactions
hypertrichosis
hypopigmentation
irritation
maceration
miliaria
perioral dermatitis
secondary infection
striae

Miscellaneous

adrenal suppression (use of occlusive dressings, long-term therapy)

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

None significant.

Route/Dosage

Topical (Adults) Apply to affected area(s) 2–3 times daily (depends on condition being treated).

Availability (generic available)

Cream: 0.05% Ointment: 0.05%

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

Assess affected skin before and daily during therapy. Note degree of inflammation and pruritus. Notify health care professional if symptoms of infection (increased pain, erythema, purulent exudate) develop.
Lab Test Considerations: May cause ↑ serum and urine glucose concentrations if significant absorption occurs.
Lab Test Considerations: Adrenal function tests may be ordered to assess degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression in long—term therapy. Pediatric: Children and patients with dose applied to a large area, using an occlusive dressing, or using high-potency products are at greatest risk for HPA suppression.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Risk for impaired skin integrity (Indications)
Risk for infection (Side Effects)
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

Choice of vehicle depends on site and type of lesion. Ointments are more occlusive and preferred for dry, scaly lesions. Creams should be used on oozing or intertriginous areas, where the occlusive action of ointments might cause folliculitis or maceration. Creams may be preferred for aesthetic reasons even though they may be more drying to skin than ointments.
Topical: Apply ointment orcream sparingly as a thin film to clean, slightly moist skin. Wear gloves. Apply occlusive dressing only if specified by health care professional.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient on correct technique of medication administration. Emphasize importance of avoiding the eyes. Apply missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for the next dose.
Caution patient to use only as directed. Avoid using cosmetics, bandages, dressings, or other skin products over the treated area unless directed by health care professional.
Advise patient to consult health care professional before using medicine for condition other than indicated.
Caution women that medication should not be used extensively, in large amounts, or for protracted periods if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Instruct patient to inform health care professional if symptoms of underlying disease return or worsen or if symptoms of infection develop.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Resolution of skin inflammation, pruritus, or other dermatologic conditions.