Generic Elocon

Common use

Elocon is a synthetic glucocorticoid (steroid hormone) available in cream, ointment, and lotion form and used on the skin to relieve itching, inflammation of eczema, dermatitis, allergy and other skin rashes. In general, anti-inflammatory mechanism of its action is not determined. It is supposed that Elocon induced proeuction of proteins that inhibit phospholipase A2, which are known as lipocortins. These proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes inhibiting the release of their common predecessor: arachidonic acid. Elocon is used to treat inflammation and itching dermatoses treated by glucocorticosteroids (GCS); conditions associated with hyperkeratosis (atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic eczema) in adults and children older than two y.o.



Dosage and directions

Apply a think layer exactly to the affected skin once daily. Avoid application to wide areas of skin as too much absorption can lead to unwanted side effects. Do not cover it with airtight dressings unless your doctor advised you the other.



Precautions

Keep Elocon out of your eyes. Longterm use and local application may cause a reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. If irritation occurs, discontinue to use Elocon cream and inform your doctor to get appropriate treatment.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of Elocon.



Possible side effect

Rare adverse effects may occur: burning, itching, skin atrophy, acne rosacea. In general glucocorticosteroids (GCS) may cause appearance of different conditions: irritation and dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acne like rash, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), secondary infection, striae and miliaria (sweat rash). The likelihood of these adverse effects increases with the use of airtight dressings.



Drug interaction

By its chemical properties of Elocon is not compatible with alkalis. Anthralin topicals (used to treat psoriasis) cannot be co-administered with Elocon as it worsens symptoms of psoriasis.



Missed dose

If you forgot to apply this medication in time, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you have missed and return to your regular schedule.



Overdose

Longterm use of this medication may cause group of symptoms called Cushing's syndrome which includes following symptoms: acne, depression, excessive hair growth, high blood pressure, humped upper back, insomnia, moon-faced appearance, muscle weakness, obese trunk, paranoia, stretch marks, susceptibility to bruises and fractures. If you suppose that overdosed this drug and have serious side effects contact your doctor and seek for immediate medical help.



Storage

Store Elocon at 2-25 C (36-77 F). Shake the lotion before each use.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)