Halcinonide is a topical, high-potency, synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid. It is used to relieve the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of moderate to severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses and for psoriasis. Halcinonide has antiinflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The high potency of halcinonide is advantageous for treating affected areas with thicker skin such as the palms and soles. Like other potent topical corticosteroids, halcinonide application should be avoided, if possible, on areas of thinner skin, such as the face and intertriginous areas, because of potential toxicities inherent in fluorinated compounds. Potent topical corticosteroids should generally be used for short durations, since systemic effects are possible. Halcinonide was initially FDA approved in 1974.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
-Halcinonide products are for external application to the skin only. Not for ophthalmic or intravaginal use.
Route-Specific Administration
Topical Administration
Occlusive Dressing Technique:
-For the solution or ointment, apply to the lesion leaving a thin film.
-For the cream, gently rub a small amount into the lesion until it disappears then reapply, leaving a thin coating on the lesion.
-After application cover the lesion with a pliable, nonporous film and seal the edges.
-If additional moisture is needed, apply a dampened clean cotton cloth before the nonporous film is applied or briefly wet the affected area with water immediately prior to applying the medication.
-The frequency of dressing changes is best determined on an individual basis. It may be convenient to apply halcinonide under an occlusive dressing in the evening and remove the dressing in the morning (i.e. 12-hour occlusion). When utilizing the 12-hour occlusion regimen, additional halcinonide should be applied, without occlusion, during the day.
-Reapplication is essential at each dressing change.
-If an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted.
Cream/Ointment/Lotion Formulations:
Cream and ointment:
-Apply halcinonide cream or ointment sparingly in a thin film and rub gently.
-When applying to hairy areas, part the hair and apply a small amount to the affected area; rub in gently.
-Until the medication has dried, do not wash or rub the treated area or apply clothing.
-Hair may be washed as usual during the treatment period but not immediately after applying the medication.
Other Topical Formulations:
Solution:
-Apply halcinonide solution sparingly in a thin film and rub gently.
-When applying to hairy areas, part the hair and apply a small amount to the affected area; rub in gently.
-Until the medication has dried, do not wash or rub the treated area or apply clothing.
-Hair may be washed as usual during the treatment period but not immediately after applying the medication.
The following adverse reactions (listed in decreasing order of occurrence) are reported with topical corticosteroids such as halcinonide and may occur more often when used with an occlusive dressing: skin irritation (including burning), pruritus, xerosis (dry skin), folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform rash/eruptions, skin hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. Erythema, telangiectasia, purpura, and maculopapular rash may also occur. Although skin atrophy usually occurs after prolonged use of halcinonide, this effect may occur even with short-term use of halcinonide on intertriginous or flexor areas, or on the face. If irritation develops, discontinue topical corticosteroids and institute appropriate therapy. The anti-inflammatory activity of topical corticosteroids may mask manifestations of infection. In the presence of dermatological infections, institute the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent. If a favorable response does not promptly occur, discontinue the corticosteroid until the infection has been adequately controlled.
Signs and symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal may occur with halcinonide dose reduction or discontinuation, and supplemental systemic corticosteroids may be needed. For example, disease flare may occur and HPA axis suppression may be present.
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids such as halcinonide can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression with possible adrenocortical insufficiency after stopping treatment. In some patients, systemic absorption can produce manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and glycosuria. Percutaneous absorption of halcinonide is dependent on many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, duration of use, and use of an occlusive dressing. Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Manifestations of adrenocortical insufficiency in children include linear growth inhibition and delayed weight gain. HPA suppression and increased intracranial pressure have also been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Clinical signs of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headache, and bilateral papilledema (i.e., pseudotumor cerebri). Patients applying halcinonide to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression (using the ACTH stimulation test, A.M. plasma cortisol test, and urinary free cortisol test). To minimize risk of HPA axis suppression, discontinue therapy when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the topical corticosteroid.
Use halcinonide with caution, if at all, on the face. Case reports describe visual impairment in patients using topical corticosteroids for eczema of the face. The visual impairment was secondary to the onset of ocular hypertension. Such adverse effects, if they occur, could lead to blindness. Cataracts have also been reported, usually with large doses or therapy > 6 months. Any patient who develops changes in vision during topical corticosteroid therapy should be evaluated for ocular hypertension. Low potency corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) have been reported to be safer for short-term use around the eye area.
In general, excessive use of corticosteroids can lead to impaired wound healing. Since halcinonide is a topical corticosteroid, it should not be applied directly or near healing wounds. A propensity for skin ulcer may develop in patients with markedly impaired circulation who use topical corticosteroids.
Tolerance may occur with the prolonged use of topical corticosteroids such as halcinonide. Tolerance is usually described as a decreased acute vasoconstrictive response to the agent after a period of days to weeks. This may explain the dramatic responses noted initially by patients early in topical corticosteroid treatment and an apparent diminished response with time. Tolerance is reversible and may be attenuated by interrupted or cyclic schedules of application.
Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids such as halcinonide is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal. Appropriate diagnostic patch testing may help with the diagnosis.
Halcinonide is contraindicated in any patient with a history of severe hypersensitivity to other corticosteroids or any ingredients in the preparation. Although true corticosteroid hypersensitivity is rare, patients who have demonstrated a prior hypersensitivity reaction to halcinonide should not receive any form of halcinonide. It is possible, though also rare, that such patients will display cross-hypersensitivity to other corticosteroids. It is advisable that patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction to any corticosteroid undergo skin testing, which, although not a conclusive predictor, may help to determine if hypersensitivity to another corticosteroid exists. Such patients should be carefully monitored during and following the administration of any corticosteroid.
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which increase systemic absorption include application of very high-potency corticosteroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, use in areas where the epidermal barrier is disrupted (i.e., skin abrasion), and the use of an occlusive dressing. Patients receiving large doses of a potent topical corticosteroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression using ACTH stimulation, AM plasma cortisol and urinary free-cortisol tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the topical corticosteroid. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Due to the potential for glucose alterations, halcinonide should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Administration of halcinonide to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Neonates, infants, and children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio, and therefore are more susceptible to developing systemic toxicity, especially with very-high-potency products. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and increased intracranial pressure have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Chronic corticosteroid therapy in children may also interfere with growth and development, resulting in growth inhibition. If children are being treated in the diaper area, tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants should be avoided as these garments may act as an occlusive dressing and increase systemic absorption of the drug.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topical application of halcinonide during pregnancy. Topical corticosteroids, including halcinonide, should not be used in large amounts, on large areas, or for prolonged periods of time in pregnant women. Guidelines recommend mild to moderate potency agents over potent corticosteroids, which should be used in short durations. Fetal growth restriction and a significantly increased risk of low birthweight has been reported with use of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids during the third trimester, particularly when using more than 300 grams. Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals.
It is not known whether topical administration of halcinonide could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. However, most dermatologists stress that topical corticosteroids can be safely used during lactation and breast-feeding. If applied topically, care should be used to ensure the infant will not come into direct contact with the area of application, such as the breast. Increased blood pressure has been reported in an infant whose mother applied a high potency topical corticosteroid ointment directly to the nipples. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally ingested drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.
The normal inflammatory response to local infections can be masked by halcinonide. Application of topical corticosteroids to areas of infection, including tuberculosis of the skin, dermatologic fungal infection, and cutaneous or systemic viral infection (i.e., herpes infection, measles or varicella), should be initiated or continued only if the appropriate antiinfective treatment is instituted. Herpes infections may be transmitted to other sites, including the eye. If the infection does not respond to the antimicrobial therapy, the concurrent use of the topical corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection is controlled. Topical corticosteroids may delay the healing of non-infected wounds, such as venous stasis ulcers.
As with other potent fluorinated topical corticosteroids, halcinonide should not be used to treat acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, or perioral dermatitis. Halcinonide may aggravate these conditions. Halcinonide preparations should not be applied to the face, groin, or axillae. Care should be taken to avoid use around the eyes; use caution to avoid ophthalmic administration. Visual impairment and ocular hypertension have been reported with ocular exposure to other high potency topical corticosteroids. High potency corticosteroids have been noted to promote progression of cataracts. Preexisting glaucoma may be aggravated if halcinonide is used in the periorbital area.
Topical corticosteroids should be used for brief periods or under close medical supervision in patients with evidence of pre-existing skin atrophy. Geriatric patients may be more likely to have preexisting skin atrophy secondary to aging. Purpura and skin lacerations that may raise the skin and subcutaneous tissue from deep fascia may be more likely to occur with the use of topical corticosteroids in geriatric patients. Use halcinonide preparations cautiously in patients with markedly impaired circulation or peripheral vascular disease due to the potential for skin ulcer. Use of lower potency topical corticosteroids also may be necessary in some patients.
For the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, localized vitiligo, eczema, phimosis, lichen planus, and localized bullous pemphigoid:
Topical dosage:
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 to 3 times daily.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 to 3 times daily.
For the treatment of psoriasis:
Topical dosage:
Adults: Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area(s) 2 to 3 times daily. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area(s) 2 to 3 times daily. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
NOTE: In general, corticosteroid dosage must be individualized and is highly variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease, dosage form selected, and patient age and response.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no topical dosage adjustments are needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no topical dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
There are no drug interactions associated with Halcinonide products.
Topical corticosteroids exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. At the cellular level, corticosteroids induce peptides called lipocortins. Lipocortins antagonize phospholipase A2, an enzyme which causes the breakdown of leukocyte lysosomal membranes to release arachidonic acid. This action decreases the subsequent formation and release of endogenous inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes and the complement system. Early anti-inflammatory effects of topical corticosteroids include the inhibition of macrophage and leukocyte movement and activity in the inflamed area by reversing vascular dilation and permeability. Later inflammatory processes such as capillary production, collagen deposition, keloid (scar) formation also are inhibited by corticosteroids. Clinically, these actions correspond to decreased edema, erythema, pruritus, plaque formation and scaling of the affected skin.
Halcinonide is applied topically as cream, ointment or solution. Because halcinonide is fluorinated and also contains a substituted 17-hydroxyl group, it is not metabolized in the skin. Repeated application results in a cumulative depot effect in the skin, which may lead to a prolonged duration of action and increased systemic absorption. Halcinonide is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Topical Route
The extent of percutaneous absorption of the topical corticosteroids is dependent on many factors, including the pharmaceutical vehicle and the integrity of the epidermis. Absorption after topical application of halcinonide is increased in areas that have skin damage, inflammation, or occlusion, or in areas where the stratum corneum is thin such as the eyelids, genitalia, axillae, and face. The use of occlusive dressings with the application of halcinonide enhances penetration into the skin, and may increase the chance of systemic absorption. Ointments have a hydrating effect, are lipophilic, and may enhance the penetration of halcinonide into the skin. Halcinonide solutions also have enhanced topical penetration versus cream preparations. Anti-inflammatory effects are usually not seen for hours after halcinonide application, since the mechanism of action requires alterations in synthesis of proteins. Repeated application results in a cumulative depot effect in the skin, which may lead to a prolonged duration of action and increased systemic absorption.