What is Topicort?
Topicort (desoximetasone) is a topical corticosteroid medication used to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal gland. They have many functions, including reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.
Health Benefits
Topicort is most commonly used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It can also be used to treat other conditions such as allergies, asthma, and arthritis.
Topicort works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. This can help relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Topicort is available in both cream and ointment form.
Side Effects
Topicort is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. The most common side effects include dryness, redness, and itchiness at the site of application. Other potential side effects include thinning of the skin, stretch marks, acne, and bronchospasm (wheezing).
Topicort should not be used by people with a history of hypersensitivity to corticosteroids. It should also be used with caution in people with a history of infections, diabetes, glaucoma, or osteoporosis. Topicort should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Dosage and Preparation
Topicort is available in both cream and ointment form. It is applied to the affected area two to four times daily. Topicort should not be used for more than two weeks at a time unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Topicort cream and ointment are available by prescription only. They are typically covered by insurance plans.
Interactions
Topicort may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drug without first talking to your doctor.
Topicort may also interact with vaccines. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using Topicort. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and you may develop serious side effects. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).
Mechanism of Action
Topicort works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. This can help relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Topicort is available in both cream and ointment form.
Pharmacokinetics
After topical application, Topicort is absorbed into the skin and converted to its active form, desoximetasone. Desoximetasone binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the body and inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators. It also suppresses the immune system.
Topicort has a half-life of approximately 3 hours. It is excreted in the urine as desoximetasone and its metabolites.
Alternatives to Topicort
There are many other topical corticosteroids available. Some alternative options include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and fluticasone. Topicort should not be used by people with a history of hypersensitivity to corticosteroids. It should also be used with caution in people with a history of infections, diabetes, glaucoma, or osteoporosis. Topicort should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical conditions, please consult your doctor before taking any medications.
