Diflorasone

Generic name: Diflorasone diacetate
Dosage form: ointment
Drug class:Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 1, 2021.

Description

Each gram of Diflorasone diacetate ointment contains 0.5 mg Diflorasone diacetate in an ointment base.
Chemically, Diflorasone diacetate is 6α,9-difluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-
3,20-dione 17,21-diacetate. The structural formula is represented below:

Each gram of Diflorasone diacetate ointment contains 0.5 mg Diflorasone diacetate in an ointment base of
glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol and white petrolatum.

Clinical Pharmacology

Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.
The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various
laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or
clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a
recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

Pharmacokinetics
The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors
including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease
processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the
percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable
therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways
similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in
varying degrees. They are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some
of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Indication and Usage

Topical cor