title: Safety and efficacy of fluticasone propionate in the topical treatment of skin diseases.
abstract: Fluticasone propionate - the first carbothioate corticosteroid - has been classified as a potent anti-inflammatory drug for dermatological use. It is available as 0.05% cream and 0.005% ointment formulations for the acute and maintenance treatment of patients with dermatological disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and vitiligo. This glucocorticoid is characterized by high lipophilicity, high glucocorticoid receptor binding and activation, and a rapid metabolic turnover in skin. Although skin blanching following fluticasone propionate exceeds that of corticosteroids of medium strength, several clinical trials demonstrate a low potential for cutaneous and systemic side-effects, even in difficult-to-treat areas like the face, the eyelids and intertriginous areas. Even among paediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, fluticasone propionate proved to be safe and effective. These pharmacological and clinical properties are reflected by the high therapeutic index of this glucocorticoid.
authors.affiliation: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Frauenlobstrasse 9-11, DE-80337 Munich, Germany. Alexander.Roeder@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roeder
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schaller
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schäfer-Korting
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Korting
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006801:Humans; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000730:Androstadienes; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D000068298:Fluticasone