What is Synalar?
Synalar, a corticosteroid, is used to treat inflammation. It inhibits the action of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.
Synalar can be used to relieve the itching and inflammation caused by skin conditions like allergic reactions, eczema, and seborrhea. Synalar comes as a topical cream, ointment, or liquid.
Warnings
Synalar should not be used in excess or for longer than prescribed. Topical steroids can be absorbed by the skin and cause side effects in other parts of the body. Covering skin treated with Synalar is not recommended unless directed by your doctor. Psoriasis is treated by using plastic film (such as plastic wrapping). You should follow your doctor's advice.
Synalar can be absorbed more readily by children through their skin, and they are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects. When treating the diaper area, avoid using plastic pants or diapers that are too tight. If your symptoms don't improve, worsen, or you notice signs of an infection, call your doctor. Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and allergies. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
Synalar should not be used if you have an allergy to fluocinolone.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Synalar will be safe for you:
- Any type of skin infection
- A skin reaction to steroid medicines;
- Liver disease
- An adrenal gland disorder is a condition that affects the adrenal gland.
Steroids can cause glucose (sugar) to increase in the blood or urine. Inform your doctor if diabetes is present. This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks. Avoid areas where the mouth of your baby may be in contact with Synalar if you apply it to your chest. Synalar should not be used on children without consulting a doctor. This medicine can be absorbed more readily by children through their skin, and they may experience side effects.
How to take Synalar?
Follow the directions on your label when using Synalar. Read and follow all instructions that accompany your prescription. Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. Please read and follow all instructions included with your medication. If you don't understand them, consult your physician or pharmacist. Synalar should be used only to treat skin conditions on the hands. Synalar should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area and rubbed gently. This medicine should not be applied to a large surface area of the skin without your doctor's permission.
Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. Covering the treated area can increase the amount of medicine absorbed by your skin and cause adverse effects. Use only loose-fitting or plastic diapers if you're treating the diaper area. If your symptoms don't improve within 2 weeks, call your doctor. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
In case anyone accidentally swallows medication, immediately seek emergency medical assistance or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for advice.
Fluocinolone can cause thinning of the skin, bruising easily, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, face, and back), an increase in acne, facial hair or menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of interest.
What should be avoided?
Do not apply the medication directly onto the face, underarms, or groin.
Synalar should not be used to treat skin conditions that have not been examined by a doctor.
Side effects of Synalar
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, please seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Skin conditions are worsening;
- Redness, heat, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation on any skin treated;
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and dry mouth; or
- Signs that you may be absorbing the medicine through your skin: weight gain, especially in your face, upper back, and torso; slow wound healing or discoloration; increased hair on your body; muscle weakness; vomiting or diarrhea.
Synalar may cause side effects such as:
- Burning, itching or irritation of treated skin are signs that treatment needs to be administered.
- Increased hair growth
- White or "pruned", appearance of the skin
- Pimples
- Changes in the color of treated skin
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Others medications you take shouldn't interfere with the cream applied directly to your skin. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
