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

Uses

What is prednicarbate used for?

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

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

How does prednicarbate work (mechanism of action)?

Prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dermatop

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% topical ointment

How should I store prednicarbate?

Prednicarbate 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.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of prednicarbate?

The most common side effects of prednicarbate are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include dryness, burning, irritation, itchiness, 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 prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Prednicarbate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using prednicarbate 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. Prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate over large skin areas or on damaged skin, or wrap or cover the skin after applying prednicarbate. 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. Prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after applying prednicarbate, or use prednicarbate 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. Prednicarbate may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use the drug over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 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. Prednicarbate may cause skin-related side effects., which may include allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis). Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of use
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use prednicarbate?

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

  • Prednicarbate
  • Dermatop
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about prednicarbate before using it?

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

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

Keep prednicarbate out of the reach of children.

Prednicarbate is for use on the skin only. Keep prednicarbate away from areas such as your eyes and vagina. Avoid using prednicarbate on your face, groin, or armpits.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where prednicarbate is applied, unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. 

Keep prednicarbate ointment away from latex-containing products, such as condoms or diaphragms. Prednicarbate ointment can damage latex and make the latex product less effective.

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

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 prednicarbate is right for you.

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

Adrenal Gland Problems. Prednicarbate 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. Prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate 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 use prednicarbate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does prednicarbate interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect prednicarbate.

Does prednicarbate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between prednicarbate 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 prednicarbate?

If you or someone else has used too much prednicarbate, 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 prednicarbate?

If you miss your scheduled dose of prednicarbate, 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.