Prednicarbate Ointment
Dosage form: ointment
Drug class:Topical steroids
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 22, 2022.
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FOR DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY.
Rx only
NOT FOR USE IN EYES.
DESCRIPTION:
Prednicarbate Ointment 0.1% contains the non-halogenated prednisolone derivative prednicarbate. The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents.
Each gram of Prednicarbate Ointment 0.1% contains 1.0 mg of prednicarbate in a base consisting of white petrolatum, glyceryl monooleate, octyldodecanol NF, and propylene glycol.
Prednicarbate has the empirical formula C27H36O8 and a molecular weight of 488.58.
The CAS Registry Number is 73771-04-7.
The chemical structure is:
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Like other topical corticosteroids, prednicarbate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.
Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin while inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Studies performed with Prednicarbate Ointment 0.1% indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
