Synalar gel

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient fluocinolone acetonide, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands, and have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Fluocinolone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the skin. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the skin cells. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of allergy or irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the skin, fluocinolone reduces inflammation and relieves itch. There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids available for application to the skin. Synalar cream, ointment and gel contain fluocinolone 0.025% and are classed as potent corticosteroids. Synalar 1 in 4 dilution contains fluocinolone 0.00625% and is classed as moderately potent, while Synalar 1 in 10 contains fluocinolone 0.0025% and is classed as a mild corticosteroid. All are prescribed to treat various inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema and dermatitis. Synalar 1 in 4 and 1 in 10 dilutions are designed for use in milder forms of inflammation. They are suitable for use after more severe skin inflammation has been controlled using the higher strength preparations, and as they are milder thay are also more suitable for use in children and under airtight dressings. Synalar creams may be more suitable for moist, weeping areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointments may be more suitable for dry, scaly areas of skin. Synalar gel is a non-greasy formulation that is lighter than the creams and ointments and is more suitable for use on the scalp and other hairy areas of skin.

What is it used for?

An eruption of solid raised areas in the skin accompanied by intense itching (prurigo)

Eczema

Inflammation of the outer ear

Inflammation or irritation of the skin caused by a reaction to irritants (contact dermatitis)

Inflammatory skin condition with greasy, red and scaly areas (seborrhoeic dermatitis)

Inflammatory skin disease known as discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)

Inflammatory skin disorders

Psoriasis

Skin disorder causing a flat, itchy, violet rash, usually on the wrists, shins, lower back and genitals (lichen planus)

Thickened skin rash caused by excessive scratching to relieve itching (neurodermatitis)

Warning!

If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.

This preparation is for external use only.

If you have been prescribed this medicine to treat psoriasis you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is because although corticosteroids may be useful for psoriasis in the short-term, they can sometimes make psoriasis worse, and may cause the condition to relapse into generalised pustular psoriasis after the treatment is stopped.

This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.

This medicine should not be used for longer than five days on the face or in children.

If your doctor has advised you to use dressings with this medicine, the skin should be cleansed before a fresh dressing is applied.

If this medicine is to be used on the face or in children, you should not use airtight dressings (including nappies) to cover the area treated, as this may increase the absorption of the medicine into the body, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.

Consult your doctor if your skin becomes infected during treatment, as you may need to stop using this medicine and start treatment with antibiotics.

Use with caution in

Children

Not to be used in

Acne vulgaris

Children less than 1 year of age

Chronic inflammatory disorder of the facial skin (acne rosacea)

Infections of the skin with viruses (eg Herpes simplex, chickenpox), fungi (eg thrush, ringworm, athlete's foot) or bacteria (eg impetigo)

Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)

Itching around the back passage and genitals

Nappy rash

Widespread plaque psoriasis

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.

This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Label warnings

This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

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