diflucortolone

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

diflucortolone reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. It suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory substances and reduces the migration of inflammatory cells to the site of inflammation.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Cardiovascular: Hypertension 

Neuromuscular and skeletal: Decreased linear skeletal growth rate, osteoporosis 

Endocrine and metabolic: Cushingoid appearance, glycosuria, hyperglycemia, obesity, weight gain, decreased plasma cortisol 

Hypersensitivity: Local hypersensitivity reaction 

Immunologic: Immunosuppression  

Central nervous system: Localized burning, steroid withdrawal syndrome 

Infection: Secondary infection 

Local: Application site irritation, application site pain 

Dermatologic: Acneiform eruption, alopecia, atrophic striae, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, miliaria, perioral dermatitis, pruritus, pustular psoriasis, skin atrophy, skin pain, dyschromia, epidermal thinning, erythema, folliculitis, hair breakage, hypertrichosis 

Ophthalmic: Cataract, glaucoma 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• diflucortolone should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to diflucortolone or any of its components. 

Caution: 

• It is advisable to use diflucortolone for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms and to avoid applying it over large areas of the body. 
• The use of diflucortolone during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 
• diflucortolone should not be applied to open wounds, ulcers, or areas of the skin with active skin breakdown. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

diflucortolone binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, forming a steroid-receptor complex. This complex translocates into the nucleus and binds to specific DNA sequences known as glucocorticoid response elements.  

Pharmacodynamics 

diflucortolone possesses immunosuppressive effects by inhibiting the function of immune cells, particularly T-lymphocytes. It reduces the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation and inhibits the release of cytokines. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Systemic absorption of diflucortolone is generally minimal when used topically. 

Distribution 

diflucortolone distributes throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

diflucortolone undergoes hepatic metabolism metabolized by the liver through various enzymatic processes.  

Elimination and excretion 

The metabolites of diflucortolone are primarily excreted in the urine and feces.

Adminstartion

Administration 

diflucortolone is available in various formulations, including creams, ointments, gels, and lotions for topical use.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: diflucortolone 

Why do we use diflucortolone? 

diflucortolone is used for the treatment of various skin conditions including seborrheic dermatitis (scalp and facial rash), and allergic dermatitis. diflucortolone is also used to relieve inflammation, itching, redness, and other symptoms associated with eczema.