Fluocinonide

LIDEX

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Pronunciation: floo-oe-SIN-oe-nide

Fluocinonide ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Fluocinonide ballicule

What it isHigh-potency topical glucocorticoid-receptor agonist; corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Why this oneStrong enough for thick plaques while remaining below the superpotent class, so it suits intermediate disease.

What limits itSkin atrophy and striae with continued use. Off the face and flexures; limit to two weeks at a time.

Fluocinonide molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Fluocinonide

Fluocinonide prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Corticosteroids (topical) (1952–2026). Fluocinonide enters in 1971 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Principal riskSkin atrophy with continued use

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger0 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityLocal tissue effects and irritation; systemic corticosteroid toxicity is uncommon at usual exposure.

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses	Topical	Thin film 2–4×/day	Thin film 2–4×/day	Thin film 2–4×/day

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Apply a thin film to the affected area 2–4 times daily
Occlusive dressings may be used for psoriasis/recalcitrant conditions; discontinue occlusion and treat if infection develops

Available strengths

sol 0.05 %
cream 0.05, 0.1 %
ointment 0.05 %
gel 0.05 %

Cautions

HPA-axis suppression, esp. with occlusion, large surface area, or prolonged use
Local reactions and skin atrophy
Secondary infection

Adverse reactions

Burning
Itching
Irritation
Dryness
Folliculitis
Perioral dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Skin atrophy
Striae

Pregnancy Use only if potential benefit justifies risk; avoid extensive use, large amounts, or prolonged periods.

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Fluocinonide (LIDEX)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.05 %	sol	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.1 %	cream	per unit	not offered
0.05 %	ointment	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Fluocinonide is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Generic entry1987

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Self-check

How long should fluocinonide courses be limited to here?
Two weeks at a time.
Which skin sites should fluocinonide avoid?
Face and flexures.