Topical Steroid Selection Tool

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LevelDrug nameStrengthTrade nameDosage Forms
1Betamethasone dipropionate,
augmented		 0.05% Diprolene C, G, O
Clobetasol propionate 0.05% Clobex (A, L, Sh, Sp)
Cormax (C, S)
Olux (F)
Temovate (C, G, O, So)
Temovate-E (Ec)		 A, C, Ec, F, G,
L, O, Sh, So,Sp
Diflorasone diacetate 0.05% Psorcon O
Fluocinonide 0.1% Vanos C
Flurandrenolide 4 mcg/sq cm Cordran T
Halobetasol propionate 0.05% Ultravate C, O
2Amcinonide 0.1% Cyclocort O
Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% Diprosone O
Betamethasone dipropionate,
augmented		 0.05% Diprolene AF C
Desoximetasone 0.25% Topicort C, G, O
Diflorasone diacetate 0.05% Psorcon (C)
Florone(O)
Maxiflor (O)		 C, O
Fluocinonide 0.05% Lidex C, G, O, So
Halcinonide 0.1% Halog C
Mometasone furoate 0.1% Elocon O
3Amcinonide 0.1% Cyclocort C, L
Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% Diprosone C
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% Valisone O
Betamethasone valerate 0.12% Luxiq F
Diflorasone diacetate 0.05% Florone,
Maxiflor		 C
Fluocinonide 0.05% Lidex-E C
Fluticasone propionate 0.005% Cutivate O
Halcinonide 0.1% Halog Ec, O
Mometasone furoate 0.1% Elocon C, L
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.5% Aristocort C
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Aristocort A O
4Desoximetasone 0.05% Topicort LP Ec
Flucinolone acetonide 0.25% Synalar O
Flucinolone acetonide 0.2% Synalar-HP C
Flurandrenolide 0.05% Cordran O
Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2% Westcort C
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Aristocort (O)
Kenalog (O, Sp)		 C, O, Sp
5Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% Diprosone L
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% Valisone C, L
Flucinolone acetonide 0.025% Synalar C
Flucinolone acetonide 0.01% Capex (Sh)
Derma-Smoothe/FS (oil)		 Oil, Sh
Flurandrenolide 0.05% Cordran C, L, T
Fluticasone propionate 0.05% Cutivate C, L
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% Locoid C, O, So
Hydrocortisone valerate 0.2% Westcort C
Prednicarbate 0.1% Dermatop Ec
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Kenalog L
6Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05% Aclovate C, O
Betamethasone valerate 0.05% Valisone L
Desonide 0.05% Desonate (G),
DesOwen (C, L, O),
Tridesilon (C),
Verdeso (F)		 C, F, G
Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% Synalar C, So
Triamcinolone acetonide 0.025% Kenalog C, L O
7 Hydrocortisone 1%, 2.5% (OTC) C, L, O, Sp
SolutionsSolutions are ingredients dissolved in a solvent, usually ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or water. Solutions are convenient to apply (especially to the scalp and hairy areas) but tend to be drying
LotionsLotions are water-based emulsions. They are easily applied to hairy skin. Lotions cool and dry acute inflammatory and exudative lesions.
GelsGels are ingredients suspended in a solvent thickened with polymers. Gels are often more effective for controlled release of topical agents. Convenient for scalp application
CreamsCreams are semi-solid emulsions of oil and water. They are used for moisturizing and cooling and when exudation is present. They vanish when rubbed into skin.
OintmentsOintments are oil based (eg, petrolatum) with little if any water. Ointments are optimal lubricants and increase drug penetration because of their occlusive nature; a given concentration of drug is generally more potent in an ointment. They are preferred for lichenified lesions and those with thick crusts or heaped-up scales. Ointments are less irritating than creams for erosions or ulcers.