$Unique_ID{BRK03175}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{halcinonide (topical)}
$Subject{topical Halog Westwood Squibb Halog-E Adrenocorticosteroid hormone
halcinonide fluid balance temperature reactions inflammation cortisone-like
skin inflammation redness swelling, itching discomfort dermatitis, eczema
poison ivy}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


halcinonide (topical)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Halog (Westwood Squibb)
     Halog-E (Westwood Squibb)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Adrenocorticosteroid hormone

INGREDIENT

     halcinonide

DOSAGE FORMS

     Ointment (0.025% and 0.1%)
     Cream (0.025% and 0.1%)
     Solution (0.1%)

STORAGE

     Halcinonide ointment, cream, and solution should be stored at room
temperature in tightly closed containers.  This medication should never be
frozen.

USES

     Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals.
These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body (such
as fluid balance, temperature, and reactions to inflammation).  Halcinonide
belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or cortisone-like
medications).  It is used to relieve the skin inflammation (redness, swelling,
itching, and discomfort) associated with conditions such as dermatitis,
eczema, and poison ivy.  How this drug acts to relieve these disorders is not
completely understood.

TREATMENT

     Before applying this medication, wash your hands.  Then, unless your
doctor gives you different instructions, gently wash the area of the skin
where the medication is to be applied.  With a clean towel, pat the area
almost dry; it should be slightly damp when you put the medicine on.
     Apply a small amount of the medication to the affected area in a thin
layer.  Do not bandage the area unless your doctor tells you to do so.  If you
are to apply an occlusive dressing (like kitchen plastic wrap), be sure you
understand the instructions.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, apply the dose as soon as possible,
unless it is time for the next application.  In that case, do not apply the
missed dose, just return to your regular schedule.  Do not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Acne, burning sensation, irritation of the affected area, itching, rash,
and skin dryness.
     If the affected area is extremely dry or scaling, the skin may be
moistened before applying the medication by soaking in water or by applying
water with a clean cloth.  The ointment form is probably better for dry skin.
     A mild, temporary stinging sensation may occur after this medication is
applied.  If this persists, contact your doctor.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blistering, increased hair growth, loss of skin color, secondary infection in
the area being treated, or thinning of the skin with easy bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication does not interact with any other medications, as long as
it is used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to halcinonide or any other adrenocorticosteroids
(such as amcinonide, betamethasone, cortisone, desonide, desoximetasone,
dexamethasone, flumethasone, fluocinolone, fluocinonide, fluorometholone,
fluprednisolone, flurandrenolide, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone,
paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or triamcinolone).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have, or if you have ever had, blood vessel
disease, chicken pox, diabetes mellitus, fungal infection, peptic ulcers,
shingles, tuberculosis, tuberculosis of the skin, vaccinia, or any other type
of infection, especially at the site currently being treated.
     * If irritation develops while using this drug, immediately discontinue
its use, and notify your doctor.
     * This product is not for use in the eyes or mucous membranes.  Exposure
of this medication to the eye may result in ocular (to the eye) side effects.
     * Do not use this product with an occlusive wrap unless your doctor
directs you to do so.  Systemic absorption of this drug is increased if
occlusive bandages are used.  If it is necessary for you to use this drug
under a wrap, follow your doctors instructions exactly; do not leave the wrap
in place longer than specified.
     * If you are using this medication on a child's diaper area, do not put
tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on the child.  This may lead to
increased systemic absorption of the drug and a possible increase in side
effects.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  If large amounts of
this drug are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed and
may cross the placenta.  Although studies in humans have not yet been
completed, birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals who
were given large oral doses of this type of drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  If absorbed through the
skin, small amounts of halcinonide pass into breast milk and may cause growth
suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid production in the
nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.