Prednicarbate (Dermatop): profile of a corticosteroid.
BACKGROUND
Topical steroids have been a popular choice for treating various cutaneous disorders; however, the potential for significant local and systemic adverse events, like skin atrophy and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, has limited their use.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the topical steroid prednicarbate through its mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and adverse events profile.


METHODS
Published literature containing the word "prednicarbate" was examined and summarized.


RESULTS
Prednicarbate is a nonhalogenated, double-ester derivative of prednisolone that has been used in the treatment of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis. It has a favorable benefit-risk ratio, low skin atrophy potential, and high anti-inflammatory action.


CONCLUSIONS
These characteristics make prednicarbate an ideal alternative agent for children, elderly patients, and those who require long-term intermittent treatment.
Gupta
Aditya K
AK
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Center, Sunnybrook site and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. agupta@execulink.com
Chow
Melody
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone; C035287:prednicarbate