Fluocinolone acetonide-Application

Fluocinolone acetonide is a fluorinated steroid that is flunisolide in which the hydrogen at position 9 is replaced by fluorine. A corticosteroid with glucocorticoid activity, it is used (both as the anhydrous form and as the dihydrate) in creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of various skin disorders. Fluocinolone acetonide has a role as an anti-inflammatory drug and an antipruritic drug. Fluocinolone acetonide is an 11beta-hydroxy steroid, a 21-hydroxy steroid, a 20-oxo steroid, a cyclic ketal, a glucocorticoid, a fluorinated steroid, a 3-oxo-Delta(1),Delta(4)-steroid, an organic heteropentacyclic compound and a primary alpha-hydroxy ketone.

Fluocinolone acetonide, with the formula 6-alpha, 9-alpha-difluoro-16-alpha, 17 alpha-acetonide, is a corticosteroid that presents a high lipophilicity. Fluocinolone acetonide has been used extensively in dermatological preparations and it has also been investigated thoroughly for its use in implantable corticosteroid devices.This type of device containing fluocinolone acetonide was developed by Taro Pharmaceuticals and approved by FDA in May 2016[1,2].

Fig 1. Chemical structure formula and three-dimensional structure of Fluocinolone acetonide

Fluocinolone acetonide is used for various skin conditions including dermatitis, eczema, rash and allergies.

Fluocinolone acetonide is a topical corticosteroid available as an ointment, cream or gel. While it is not a cure for skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema, the medication helps relieve the redness and inflammation caused by these conditions.

Fluocinolone acetonide may be used as a reference standard in the analysis of fluocinolone acetonide in samples of soil via pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).

Fluocinolone acetonide has been used extensively in different medical areas[3]:

In dermatology, it is extensively used for the relief of inflammatory dermatosis, dermatitis, psoriasis, hypertrophic tissues, keloid tissues and atopic dermatitis.

It has been used in shampoo products as a low to medium potency corticosteroid for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

In ear drops, it is used as a low to medium potency corticosteroid for the treatment of chronic eczematous external otitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older.

As an intravitreal implant, it is indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema with patients that have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and no clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure.

Fluocinolone acetonide was announced on October 15, 2018 to be FDA approved for the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye.

Some reports have indicated the use of fluocinolone acetonide as a vasoprotective agent and for its use in the treatment of first-degree hemorrhoids.

Fluocinolone acetonide is a synthetic anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and thus, the effect of its interaction with the body produces vasoconstriction and suppression of membrane permeability, mitotic activity, immune response and release of inflammatory mediators.

References

[1] Lemke T., Williams D., Roche V. and Zito W. (2008). Foye's Principles of Medicinal Chemistry (6th) (6th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. [ISBN:978-0-7817-6879-5].
[2] Becker M., Davis J. (2008). Surgical Management of Inflammatory Eye Disease. Springer. [ISBN:978-3-540-33861-1].
[3] Knoch HG, Klug W, Hubner WD: [Ointment treatment of 1st degree hemorrhoids. Comparison of the effectiveness of a phytogenic preparation with two new ointments containing synthetic drugs]. Fortschr Med. 1992 Mar 20;110(8):135-8

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