indication

For the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

pharmacology

Alclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Alclometasone is a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist.

mechanism of action

The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A₂ inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A₂. Alclometasone initially binds the corticosteroid receptor. This complex migrates to the nucleus where it binds to different glucocorticoid response elements on the DNA. This in turn enhances and represses various genes, especially those involved in inflammatory pathways.

toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include suppression of adrenal glands, temporary decrease in white blood cell counts, symptoms of hypersensitivity (such as skin rash, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing), and increased susceptibility to infection.

biotransformation

Hepatic.

absorption

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Studies have shown that approximately 3% of steroid is absorbed during 8 hours of contact with intact skin of normal volunteers.