Alclometasone dipropionate (ACM) is a synthetic nonfluorinated corticosteroid which has been marketed since 1986 for the topical treatment of inflammatory and pruritic corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. As esterification of the hydroxyl group at positions 17 and 21 of the alclometasone molecule enhances topical anti-inflammatory activity, the dipropionate salt of alclometasone is much more potent than alclometasone itself. It reduces cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions induced by tuberculin or albumin in mice when administered topically (20 μl of a 0.1% solution). ACM also inhibits androgen-dependent cytochrome P450 activity and the O-depropylation activity of 7-alkoxy-coumarin O-dealkylase in a dose-dependent manner in male rats but has no effect on hepatic drug metabolism in female rats or mice of both sexes. Formulations containing ACM have been used to treat radiation, allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis.
