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Overview: Amcinonide is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness. Common side effects from amcinonide are skin reactions, such as redness, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where amcinonide is used, unless your health care provider said you should do so. Doing this could increase the amount of amcinonide in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is amcinonide used for?

Amcinonide is commonly used to treat skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness.

Amcinonide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does amcinonide work (mechanism of action)?

Amcinonide belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is amcinonide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cyclocort

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.1% topical lotion
  • 0.1% topical ointment

How should I store amcinonide?

Amcinonide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze amcinonide.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of amcinonide?

The most common side effects of amcinonide are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include dryness, burning, irritation, itchiness, excessive hair growth, lightening of the skin, and inflamed hair follicles. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of amcinonide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of amcinonide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of amcinonide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Amcinonide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using amcinonide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Amcinonide can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use amcinonide over large skin areas, use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of a fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Amcinonide can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use amcinonide over large skin areas, use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Amcinonide may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use it over large skin areas, use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Amcinonide may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use amcinonide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use amcinonide.

  • Amcinonide
  • Cyclocort
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amcinonide products they stock.

What should I know about amcinonide before using it?

Do not use amcinonide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share amcinonide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep amcinonide out of the reach of children.

Amcinonide is for use on the skin only. Keep amcinonide away from your eyes.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where amcinonide is applied, unless your health care provider said you should do so. 

Amcinonide, when used on children, may slow their height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

What should I tell my health care provider before using amcinonide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if amcinonide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Amcinonide can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Diabetes. Amcinonide can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated before you use amcinonide.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how amcinonide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if amcinonide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop amcinonide.

Interactions

Does amcinonide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between amcinonide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect amcinonide.

Does amcinonide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between amcinonide and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much amcinonide?

If you or someone else has used too much amcinonide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of amcinonide?

If you miss your scheduled dose of amcinonide, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply amcinonide more often than prescribed.