Elocon Ointment 0.1% (Mometasone) 50gm MSD

Elocon Ointment general information

What is Elocon used for?

Elocon ointment is a topical skin medication used to treat several moderate to severe skin and scalp conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus (an inflammatory skin condition) and seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily).  Elocon ointment relieves symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.  

How does Elocon Ointment work?

Elocon ointment contains the synthetic corticosteroid mometasone, which is a potent anti-inflammatory that is more potent than hydrocortisone.  Mometasone in Elocon ointment 0.1% works by blocking the action of phospholipase A2, the first enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormone-like substances involved in the inflammatory process; also cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2), the enzymes specifically involved in prostaglandin production. This reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions particularly those that do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids. 

What does Elocon Ointment contain?

Elocon ointment contains the active ingredient mometasone furoate 0.1% (w/w 1mg/g), a synthetic corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.  It also contains sorbitan sesquioleate, propylene glycol and white petrolatum.

What is the difference between Elocon cream and ointment

Elocon cream 0.1% and Elocon ointment 0.1% contain the same active ingredient but the cream formula is more suitable for sensitive skin as it absorbs quickly and easily, and has an emollient cream base.  Elocon cream is also suitable for moist lesions, whereas the ointment should be used for dry, scaling and fissured (split) lesions.

What other Elocon products are available?

Elocon is available from Inhouse Pharmacy as:

• Elocon Cream 0.1%
• Elocon Ointment 0.1%
• Elocon Lotion 0.1%

Treating dermatitis with Elocon Ointment

Elocon ointment 0.1% contains mometasone, a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by blocking the production of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin, which is involved in the inflammatory process that occurs in several skin conditions including dermatitis.  Elocon ointment 0.1% helps relieve symptoms of dermatitis, reducing itching, redness, dryness and soreness, which can become severe if untreated.

Elocon Ointment for itchy skin

Elocon ointment can help to relieve symptoms of Itchy skin, which is a symptom of several skin conditions, like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis, and can cause the skin to become sore and inflamed.  Mometasone in Elocon ointment 0.1% is a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by blocking the production of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin, which is involved in the inflammatory process. 

What are the side effects of Elocon Ointment?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Elocon ointment 0.1% include: burning, itching, irritation and dryness at the site of application, also acne.  Long-term use of Elocon ointment may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently and this may slow down the growth rate in children.  

When should Elocon Ointment not be used?

You should not use Elocon ointment 0.1% if you:

• are allergic to mometasone or any ingredient in Elocon ointment
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin
• are pregnant or breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor

How should Elocon Ointment be used?

You should apply a thin film Elocon ointment 0.1% to the affected area of skin once daily gently rubbing into the skin.  You should always wash your hands after applying the medication and make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth.  Elocon ointment is intended for short term use and if used in children or on the face, you should not use for more than 5 days.  You should use Elocon ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition, long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

How long should you use Elocon Ointment?

Elocon ointment 0.1% is intended for short term use and if used in children or on the face, you should not use for more than 5 days.  You should use Elocon ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition, long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

Missed dose of Elocon Ointment

If you miss a dose of Elocon ointment 0.1% apply it as soon as you remember, and then continue to apply once a day.

How should Elocon Ointment be stored?

You should store your Elocon ointment 0.1% below 25°C and keep it out of direct sunlight.