Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use it for any other condition without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if it is used too much, because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin.

This medicine should come with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or groin. Do not use the spray on your face or armpits unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

To help clear up your skin or scalp problem completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. Do not miss any doses.

This medicine should only be used for skin conditions being treated by your doctor. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, including severe burns.

To use the cream, gel, ointment, or spray:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
  • Do not bandage, wrap, or use diapers on the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.
  • Do not use the spray for more than 4 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, and ointment):
    • For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin 2 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (spray):
    • For plaque psoriasis:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin 2 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

The spray bottle is flammable. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking. Throw away any unused medicine after 30 days.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.