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What Is Amcinonide Used For?
A healthcare provider may prescribe amcinonide to adults who have poison ivy, eczema, or various other skin problems. Specifically, amcinonide is used for treating inflammation and itching due to any skin problem that is responsive to corticosteroids. It works by suppressing an overactive immune system and reducing inflammation. Off-label uses may include treating vitiligo and penile or labial adhesions.
Amcinonide (Cyclocort®) is a prescription skin medication used to treat inflammation and itching due to a wide variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Poison ivy
- Seborrhea.
Specifically, amcinonide is approved to treat itching and inflammation due to any skin condition that is responsive to corticosteroids (amcinonide is a corticosteroid).
Amcinonide comes as a cream, an ointment, or a lotion. The ointment is greasier, while the lotion and the cream are easier and less messy to apply. The lotion is particularly useful for applying to hairy areas.
Amcinonide is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, which are a type of corticosteroid (or "steroid" for short). Although glucocorticoids have numerous effects in the body, they are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing properties. Amcinonide works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing an overactive immune system.
Amcinonide is not specifically approved for use in children. Children are at an increased risk for serious side effects of steroids. In general, steroids, including amcinonide, are used for short-term treatment only. This is especially important for children.
Keep in mind that amcinonide is not approved to treat diaper rash and should never be applied to the diaper area, unless your child's healthcare provider specifically recommends that you do so. Covering this medicine with a diaper can increase the absorption of the medicine and increase the risk for serious side effects.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD