Zemalog

Indications

Halcinonide is a strong (high potency) corticosteroid used on the skin. It relieves redness, swelling, itching and scaling in skin conditions that respond to steroids, such as eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, lichen planus, and allergic or irritant skin reactions. It is usually kept for thick, stubborn patches that have not improved with milder steroid creams.

How It Works

Halcinonide is a man-made version of the body's natural cortisol-like hormones. When applied to the skin it calms the immune reaction that causes inflammation, narrows small blood vessels in the area and slows down the fast skin cell turnover seen in psoriasis. This reduces itching, redness and thickening.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: apply a thin layer to the affected skin 1 to 3 times a day, or as prescribed, and rub in gently. Use it for the shortest time needed, usually not more than 2 weeks at a time unless your doctor says otherwise. Wash your hands after use unless the hands are being treated.

• Do not cover the area with a tight bandage or plastic wrap unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not use on the face, groin or armpits, or in children, unless a doctor specifically advises it.
• Keep it away from the eyes.

Interactions

Very little of the medicine is absorbed through normal skin, so interactions are uncommon. Avoid using other steroid creams on the same area at the same time. If large areas are treated for a long time, enough may be absorbed to matter for people taking other corticosteroids or medicines for diabetes. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Halcinonide, other corticosteroids or any ingredient of the product.
• Untreated skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses (such as cold sores, chickenpox or ringworm), unless an anti-infective is also used.
• Rosacea, acne and the rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis.
• Skin ulcers or open wounds.

Side Effects

Common local effects include burning, stinging, itching, dryness or irritation where it is applied. With long or heavy use the skin can become thin and fragile, stretch marks may appear, small blood vessels may show, and there may be acne-like spots, lighter skin colour or extra hair growth. Skin infections can be hidden or made worse.

Get urgent medical help if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing), a spreading infection, or, after long use over large areas, unusual tiredness, weight gain, blurred vision or high blood sugar.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if your doctor thinks it is needed, on the smallest area for the shortest time. If breastfeeding, do not apply it to the nipples or breast area, and ask your doctor before use.

Precautions and Warnings

Strong steroids can be absorbed into the body when used over large areas, on broken skin, under dressings or for a long time, which may suppress the body's own hormone production. Children are more sensitive to this. Do not stop suddenly after long use on large areas; your doctor may reduce it gradually. Tell your doctor if the condition does not improve within 2 weeks or gets worse.

Overdose

Using too much on the skin for a long time may cause thinning of the skin and hormone-related effects. If someone swallows the cream, contact a doctor or poison centre. Stop using it and seek medical advice if you think you have overused it.

Therapeutic Class

Topical corticosteroid (high potency).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Close the tube tightly after use.