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Overview: Topical fluocinonide is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness. Common side effects from topical fluocinonide are skin reactions such as stinging, burning, itching, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical fluocinonide is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. Doing this could increase the amount of fluocinonide in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is topical fluocinonide used for?

Topical fluocinonide is commonly used to treat skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness.

Topical fluocinonide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical fluocinonide work (mechanism of action)?

Topical fluocinonide belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is topical fluocinonide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lidex
  • Lidex-E
  • Vanos

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical cream (emulsified base)
  • 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical gel
  • 0.05% topical ointment
  • 0.05% topical solution

How should I store topical fluocinonide?

Topical fluocinonide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.  

Topical Solution. Store topical fluocinonide solution as stated above. Do not expose it to temperatures above 104 F (40 C).

Topical Ointment. Store topical fluocinonide ointment as stated above. Do not expose it to temperatures above 86 F (30 C).

Topical Cream (Emulsified Base). Store topical fluocinonide cream (emulsified base) as stated above.  Do not expose it to temperatures above 104 F (40 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical fluocinonide?

The most common side effects of topical fluocinonide are listed below. Side effects may vary based on the product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions (see below) (may include stinging, burning, itching, and dryness)
  • Headache
  • Sore throat and stuffy nose

There may be other side effects of topical fluocinonide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical fluocinonide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical fluocinonide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical fluocinonide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical fluocinonide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Topical fluocinonide can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use topical fluocinonide over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, use it on damaged skin, or use it with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Topical fluocinonide can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use topical fluocinonide with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Topical fluocinonide may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use it with other corticosteroids. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Topical fluocinonide may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of use
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Slowed Growth in Children. Topical fluocinonide, when used on children, may slow the height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical fluocinonide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical fluocinonide.

  • Fluocinonide
  • Lidex
  • Vanos
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical fluocinonide products they stock.

What should I know about topical fluocinonide before using it?

Do not use topical fluocinonide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical fluocinonide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical fluocinonide out of the reach of children.

Topical fluocinonide is for use on the skin only. Keep it away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina. Read and follow the “Instructions for Use” that come with your topical fluocinonide, including any areas that you should avoid using it on. 

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical fluocinonide is applied unless your health care provider instructed you to do so.

Thoroughly wash your hands after each use of topical fluocinonide.

If no improvement in your skin condition is seen within the expected time (often two weeks) of using topical fluocinonide, tell your health care provider right away.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical fluocinonide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical fluocinonide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical fluocinonide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical fluocinonide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Topical fluocinonide can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you currently have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated first before you should use topical fluocinonide.

Diabetes. Topical fluocinonide can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Planned Surgery. Because topical fluocinonide can affect your adrenal function, it may also affect your body’s response to stress, such as surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have any surgery planned.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical fluocinonide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical fluocinonide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use topical fluocinonide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical fluocinonide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical fluocinonide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical fluocinonide.

Does topical fluocinonide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking any other corticosteroid, including medicines you take by mouth as well as other medicines you apply to the skin. Examples include dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which are medicines for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical fluocinonide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical fluocinonide?

If you or someone else has used too much topical fluocinonide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical fluocinonide?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical fluocinonide, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply topical fluocinonide more often than prescribed.