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Diflorasone Diacetate - Uncovering Its Potency in Eczema Relief Guide

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Diflorasone diacetate is a topical corticosteroid cream used for psoriasis and eczema. This article includes its usage, safety, mechanism, and efficacy.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Published At February 1, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 1, 2024

Overview

Diflorasone diacetate is a topical corticosteroid that comes in a cream or ointment. It is prescribed for treating the symptoms associated with a range of inflammatory skin conditions causing pruritus (itching), erythema, and discomfort. So, this medication is chiefly prescribed for psoriasis and eczema. The typical indication of Diflorasone diacetate includes the inflammatory and itching type of skin conditions that are corticosteroid-responsive. It possesses both anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. With regards to its potency, Diflorasone diacetate is considered a Class one corticosteroid in the United States.

Drug Group:

Diflorasone diacetate sorts with the class of drugs called corticosteroids. They are topical corticosteroids and are to be applied to the skin. Topical corticosteroids have a major part in the management of a range of dermatological conditions. It is typically an anti-inflammatory topical preparation that is used for the control of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin diseases.

Available Doses and Dosage Forms:

  • Diflorasone diacetate is available in cream or ointment.

  • The strength of each gram is 0.05 percent Diflorasone diacetate.

For Patients

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that results in itchiness, dryness, and bumps of the skin. Eczema is a form of dermatitis, whereas dermatitis refers to a range of skin conditions that cause inflammation. This condition generally occurs in childhood, and most often resolves or gets milder by adulthood. The treatment of eczema varies depending on the condition and severity. It includes creams and ointments for the control of inflammation and itchiness.

How Does Diflorasone Diacetate Work?

Diflorasone is used for treating redness, dryness, inflammation, itching, scaling, crusting, and discomfort associated with a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Diflorasone is in the class of topical drugs called corticosteroids. It works by inducing and controlling the natural substances in the skin to reduce or relieve redness, swelling, and itching.

What Is the Dosage of Diflorasone Diacetate?

One gram of Diflorasone diacetate cream constitutes 0.5 mg (milligrams) of Diflorasone diacetate in 30 or 60-gram packed tubes. Diflorasone topical cream must be applied onto the affected skin tissue as a thin film about one to three times a day based on the condition, severity, and resistant nature. Occlusive dressing with plastic film or bandage might be used for the management of recalcitrant or psoriasis type of skin conditions. Occlusive dressing is not advisable in other specified conditions.

What Are the Things to Inform the Doctor Before Taking the Drug?

  • One should inform the doctor or should not use the Diflorasone diacetate cream if one has an allergy to Diflorosane or other corticosteroids.

  • Additionally, it is not advisable to use Diflorasone medication if one is allergic to other ingredients constituted in the prescribed formulation.

  • Inform the doctor about the general medical problems that one has or has ever had in the past.

  • Inform the doctor if one has any form of skin infection.

  • Also, tell the healthcare provider if one has diabetes. The absorption of topical corticosteroids systemically tends to influence blood glucose levels.

  • Inform the doctor if one is pregnant or about to become conceived. It is still undetermined whether Diflorasone cream will cause harm to the unborn baby.

  • If one is breastfeeding, avoid the application of corticosteroid cream in the chest area or other skin surfaces that come into contact with the child’s mouth.

How Is Diflorasone Diacetate Administered?

  • Follow the doctor’s prescription and labeled information. One should use the Diflorasone topical cream exactly as prescribed.

  • This is not to be taken by mouth or infection. Diflorasone topical cream is used only for the skin.

  • Wash the hands thoroughly prior to each Diflorasone topical application.

  • Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected skin and rub it gently into the skin tissue.

  • Reach out to the doctors and get medical care if there is no improvement in skin condition, even after more days of therapy.

  • Addedly, Inform the doctor right away if the skin condition gets worse.

Important Warnings:

  • Do not use Diflorasone diacetate cream on the infected skin, open wounds, or broken skin.

  • Do not apply Diflorasone diacetate cream over a large skin area.

  • One should not cover the treated area with any dressing or plaster unless the doctor says so. Covering them could increase the amount of Diflorasone absorbed through the skin tissue, resulting in harmful side effects.

  • If the diaper area is treated with Diflorasone cream in children, do not use tight-fitting diapers over them.

  • Covering the treated areas with plastic wrap or bandages is sometimes advised to cover the areas of certain skin conditions like psoriasis. Follow the doctor’s instructions conscientiously.

  • Do not share this medication with others.

  • Do not use Diflorasone diacetate cream for skin conditions that have not been evaluated by the doctor.

What Are the Side Effects of Diflorasone Diacetate?

1. Common Side Effects: Diflorasone is a safe topical corticosteroid to use for eczema. But, it can induce unwanted reactions in some cases. The common side effects of Diflorasone diacetate include the following.

  • Burning or itchiness of the treated area.

  • Redness or crusting is seen around the hair follicles.

  • Skin dryness.

  • Irritation.

  • Acne.

  • Skin rashes.

  • Increased hair growth.

  • Stretch marks.

  • Lightening of the treated skin.

  • The pruned appearance of the skin tissue. This usually results when the wound dressing is left fit for a prolonged period.

2. Serious Side Effects: Diflorasone diacetate might cause serious side effects. One should stop using the medication and seek professional help if one experiences any of the following symptoms.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Tunnel vision.

  • Eye pain.

  • Halo appearance around the lights.

  • Severe skin irritation.

  • Signs of skin infection, including oozing, swelling, redness, pain, and warmth.

The skin can absorb topical corticosteroids, resulting in serious side effects within the body. One must inform the doctor promptly if one suspects any of the following:

  • Irregular menstrual periods.

  • Swelling.

  • Weight gain.

  • Changes in sexual function.

  • Irritability.

  • Memory problems.

Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction can occur with Diflorasone diacetate topical cream. The signs of an allergic reaction are as follows:

  • Hives.

  • Difficulty breathing.

  • Swelling of the face.

  • Rashes.

  • Swelling of the lips or throat.

3. For Children: Corticosteroid medication is known to affect growth and development in children. Discuss with the doctor if there is any growth concern about the child.

Dietary Considerations:

Missed Dose:

If one misses the dosage, apply the Diflorasone diacetate medication as soon as one has the thought. However, one should skip the missed dose when it is nearly time for the subsequent dosage. One should not apply two towns or two doses at one time to compensate for the missed dose.

Overdose:

Seek emergency medical services and a medical helpline if one has accidentally or unintentionally swallowed the Diflorasone medication.

An overdose of Diflorasone diacetate topical medication is not known to cause any life-threatening effects. Nevertheless, long-term use of higher doses of corticosteroids could result in symptoms like easy bruising, thinning of skin tissue, fat accumulation, acne, increased body hair, impotence, menstrual problems, and loss of sexual interest.

For Doctors

Clinical Data of Diflorasone Diacetate:

  • Drug Name: Diflorasone diacetate

  • Generic Name: Diflorasone diacetate

  • Drug Class: Corticosteroid.

  • Route of Administration: Topical.

  • Chemical Formula: C26H32F2O7.

  • Molar Mass: 494.532 g.mol-1.

Indication:

Diflorasone diacetate is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (skin conditions) like pruritus and eczema.

Dose:

Diflurosane comes in cream or ointment containing 0.05-gram strength of Diflorasone diacetate. It is to be applied sparingly to the affected skin areas once daily to once every eight hours. Discontinuation of Diflorasone treatment is recommended if control and relief are achieved. Consider reassessment of the diagnosis if there seems to be no improvement within four weeks of Diflorasone treatment.

Pharmacological Aspects of Diflorasone Diacetate:

Pharmacodynamics

Diflorasone possesses antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstriction properties similar to other topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids undergo extensive pharmacokinetic pathways like systemically induced corticosteroids. Moreover, Diflorasone is known to be a potent corticosteroid. Hence, it is not recommended to use Diflorasone with occlusive dressings. The treatment should only be limited to two successive weeks, while the treatment should be discontinued after attainment of sufficient results.

Mechanism of Action

The absolute mechanism of action of topical steroids, particularly the anti-inflammatory action, is still undetermined when used in the treatment of steroid-responsive dermatoses. Nevertheless, any corticosteroid is known to induce the phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins known as lipocortins. It is known that such proteins regulate the biosynthesis of the potential mediators of inflammation, including leukotrienes and prostaglandins, through inhibition of the release of the arachidonic acid (common precursor). Arachidonic acid is typically released from the membrane phospholipid called phospholipase A2.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: About one percent of Diflorasone attains the dermal layer of the skin or systemic circulation. Occlusive dressings could increase the rate of absorption percutaneously.

  • Metabolism: Dliflorasone chiefly undergoes hepatic metabolism.

  • Elimination: Diflorasone is excreted by the kidneys through urine and fences.

Toxicity

Topically administered Diflurasone diacetate can be absorbed in adequate amounts to induce systemic effects. Symptoms of Diflorasone overdose include the following.

  • Thinning of skin tissue.

  • Suppression of adrenal cortex.

Adverse Effects:

The potential adverse effects of Diflorasone include:

  • Arthralgia.

  • Dryness.

  • Skin atrophy.

  • Follicularis.

  • Striae.

  • Pigmentation changes in the skin.

  • Burning sensation.

  • Itching.

  • Secondary infections.

  • Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression.

  • Acneiform eruptions.

  • Hypopigmentation.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis.

  • Maceration of the skin.

  • Miliaria.

  • Perioral dermatitis.

Post-marketing Reports:

Post-marketing experience of Diflorasone is all about vision disorders, including glaucoma, cataracts, and central serous retinopathy.

What Are the Contraindications of Diflorasone Diacetate?

The contraindications of Diflorasone are

  • People with any underlying skin infections.

  • Individuals who had shown hypersensitivity reactions to Diflurosane or other corticosteroids.

  • Diflorasone is strictly contraindicated for ophthalmic use.

Warnings and Precautions:

  • Adrenal Suppression: Diflorasone might cause hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression of hypercortisolism, especially in younger people or individuals who receive higher dosages on a long-term basis. HPA axis suppression might result in an adrenal crisis.

  • Contact Dermatitis: Diflorasone might cause allergic contact dermatitis. It is not generally presented as clinical exacerbation. In contrast, it is recognized by failure to heal.

  • Kaposi Sarcoma: Long-term corticosteroid therapy has been linked to the development of the cancer condition called Kaposi sarcoma. If there is any manifestation of lapse sarcoma, consider discontinuation of Diflorasone treatment.

  • Skin Reactions: Local adverse skin reactions such as burning, itching, striae, telangiectasias (smaller and dilated blood vessels on the skin tissue), irritation, folliculitis, hypopigmentation, allergic contact senatorial, and several skin conditions might occur during Diflorasone treatment. Such reactions might not be reversible in most cases. The local adverse reactions tend to occur commonly with prolonged Diflurosane use or when used with occlusive dressings. Institute appropriate antibacterial or antifungal therapy if any dermatological infection occurs. If there is no prompt and favorable outcome, discontinuation of Diflorasone is recommended until there is adequate control of infection.

  • Immunosuppression: Prolonged use of corticosteroids might cause fungal and bacterial superinfections. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered if skin infections persist even after giving effective antimicrobial therapy.

  • Ocular Effects: Ocular effects like glaucoma with potential optic nerve damage, subcapsular cataracts, and raised intraocular pressure had been observed in topical use of Diflorasone.

  • Systemic Effects: Topical corticosteroids, including Diflurosane, might undergo percutaneous absorption. Absorption of topical corticosteroids might slow systemic manifestations, including glycosuria, Cushing’s syndrome, and hyperglycemia. The systemic or percutaneous absorption of Diflorasone is increased specifically when used with occlusive dressings, applied to large skin surfaces, and applied to denuded skin.

Other Warnings:

  • It is suggested that medium- to high-potency corticosteroids be used for only two successive weeks to reduce local and systemic adverse reactions.

  • Use low-potency corticosteroids for prolonged therapy.

  • Long-term topical corticosteroid treatment might interfere with the growth in children.

  • Avoid medium to high potency corticosteroid application in folds, faces, groin, and other sensitive parts since it can increase steroid absorption.

  • Use lower-potency topical corticosteroids for children.

  • Advise patients to avoid contact with the eyes. Also, inform them to report if they experience any visual symptoms.

  • Pediatrics might absorb relatively higher amounts of topical corticosteroids. Hence, children are more susceptible to systemic toxicity.

  • If any skin irritation develops, discontinuation of corticosteroids and intuition of appropriate treatment should be considered.

Drug Interactions of Diflorasone Diacetate:

Drug interaction might change how the medication works or raise the risk and complications of side effects. A few drug interactions of Diflorasone diacetate are discussed below.

  • Interaction With Benzthiazide: The risk and severity of the electrolyte balance could be increased when used in combination with Diflorasone diacetate.

  • Interaction With Cyclosporine: There can be an increase in the risk and severity of adverse effects when used in combination with Cyclosporine.

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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