Elocon Cream: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Elocon

Generic name: mometasone topical [ moe-MET-a-sone ]
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Jan 24, 2022.

## What is Elocon?

Elocon is a potent topical corticosteroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Elocon is available as a cream, lotion, ointment, or solution and is used to treat skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Elocon reduce symptoms such as pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or itching.

## Warnings

Use Elocon exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. Covering the skin that is treated with Elocon can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not use Elocon on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Elocon over a long treatment period.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Elocon if you are allergic to mometasone.

Do not use Elocon to treat diaper rash.

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. Elocon may not be safe to use on a child for longer than 3 weeks.

Elocon is not FDA-approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply Elocon to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Elocon pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

## How should I use Elocon?

Use Elocon exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using Elocon, unless you are using the medicine on your hands.

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

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Elocon for Dermatitis:

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Comments:
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider.
-Therapy should be discontinued when control is obtained.
-If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed.
Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose of Elocon for Eczema:

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Comments:
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider.
-Therapy should be discontinued when control is obtained.
-If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed.
Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose of Elocon for Psoriasis:

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Comments:
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider.
-Therapy should be discontinued when control is obtained.
-If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed.
Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:

2 years and older:
Cream/ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
12 years and older:
Lotion: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Comments:
-Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients for more than 3 weeks of use have not been established.
-This topical drug should not be applied in the diaper area if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants.
-Therapy should be discontinued when control is obtained.
-If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed.
Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Eczema:

2 years and older:
Cream/ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
12 years and older:
Lotion: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Comments:
-Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients for more than 3 weeks of use have not been established.
-This topical drug should not be applied in the diaper area if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants.
-Therapy should be discontinued when control is obtained.
-If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed.
Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Psoriasis:

2 years and older:
Cream/ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
12 years and older:
Lotion: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day
Comments:
-Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients for more than 3 weeks of use have not been established.
-This topical drug should not be applied in the diaper area if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants.
-Therapy should be discontinued when control is obtained.
-If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be needed.
Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Detailed Elocon dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of Elocon is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in 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 Elocon?

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Avoid applying Elocon to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor has told you to.

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

## Elocon side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe skin irritation;

- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or

- high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Mometasone can affect growth in children and should not be used long-term.

Common Elocon side effects may include:

- red or pus-filled bumps on your skin;

- acne; or

- mild itching, tingling, or burning.

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.

Elocon side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Elocon?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

- steroid medicine you take by mouth; or

- steroid medicine you apply to your skin or scalp.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with mometasone topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Elocon drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

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

## More about Elocon (mometasone topical)

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (62)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: topical steroids
- En español

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Atopic Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis

## Further information

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

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