Generic Name: fluocinolone topical (floo oh SIN oh lone TOP i kal)
Brand Names: Capex, Flurosyn, Synalar
What is Capex (fluocinolone topical)?
Fluocinolone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Fluocinolone topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, seborrhea, and psoriasis.
Fluocinolone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Capex (fluocinolone topical)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap) is sometimes used when treating psoriasis. Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with fluocinolone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve, or if you develop signs of a skin infection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Capex (fluocinolone topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluocinolone.
Before using fluocinolone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether fluocinolone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.
How should I use Capex (fluocinolone topical)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.
Covering the skin that is treated with fluocinolone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. However, plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap or a shower cap) is sometimes used when treating psoriasis. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands before and after using fluocinolone topical, unless you are using the medication to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a small amount of the medicine to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not use this medication over a large area of skin.
If you are using the shampoo form of this medication, apply a small amount (1 ounce or less) to wet hair and work into a lather. Leave the shampoo on the scalp for 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Contact your doctor if your skin condition does not improve, if it gets worse, or if you develop signs of a skin infection.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects with long-term use, you may need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store fluocinolone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of fluocinolone topical is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using Capex (fluocinolone topical)?
Fluocinolone topical should not be used to treat any skin condition your doctor has not prescribed it for.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use fluocinolone topical on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.
Capex (fluocinolone topical) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing fluocinolone topical through your skin, such as:
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
mood changes;
sleep problems (insomnia);
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
muscle weakness, feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild skin itching, burning, peeling, or dryness;
thinning or softening of your skin;
skin rash or irritation around your mouth;
swollen hair follicles;
changes in color of treated skin;
blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
stretch marks.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Capex (fluocinolone topical)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied fluocinolone topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Capex resources
- Capex Side Effects (in more detail)
- Capex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Capex Drug Interactions
- Capex Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Capex - Add your own review/rating
- Capex Shampoo MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Capex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- DermOtic Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Synalar Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Synalar Consumer Overview
- Synalar Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Capex with other medications
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Dermatitis
- Lichen Sclerosus
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluocinolone topical.
See also: Capex side effects (in more detail)
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