Aclovate

Generic name: alclometasone topical [ AL-kloe-MET-a-sone-TOP-ik-al ]
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Aclovate?

Alclometasone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Aclovate (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Aclovate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aclovate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using Aclovate and call your doctor if you have:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

• uneven heartbeats;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• tired feeling.

Common side effects of Aclovate may include:

• redness, burning, or itching of treated skin;

• skin dryness or irritation;

• acne, skin rash;

• lightened color of treated skin; or

• folliculitis (redness or crusting around your hair follicles).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Aclovate if you are allergic to it.

Do not use Aclovate to treat diaper rash.

To make sure Aclovate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Steroids can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Aclovate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Aclovate.

It is not known whether alclometasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Aclovate should not be used on a child younger than 1 year old. Do not use this medicine on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use Aclovate?

Aclovate is usually applied 2 or 3 times per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before and after using Aclovate, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply Aclovate over a large area of skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse while using Aclovate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

Dupixent, Humira, Ilumya, Cosentyx, prednisone, methotrexate, cyclosporine, adalimumab, Stelara, Remicade

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of Aclovate is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using alclometasone topical?

Avoid getting Aclovate in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use Aclovate on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medicine in open wounds.

Avoid applying Aclovate to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area without your doctor's instruction.

Do not use Aclovate to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Aclovate?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied alclometasone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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