Halcinonide
Pronunciation: (hal-SIN-oh-nide).
- Generic name
- Halcinonide
- Brand names
- Halcinonide Cream, Halcinon, Halog
- Drug class
- Dermatology
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Halcinonide is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Halcinonide works
Halcinonide is a high-potency synthetic corticosteroid that exerts anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects. It binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene expression and suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. (1) (2)
What Halcinonide is used for
Psoriasis
Psoriasis (2)
Eczema
Eczema (2)
Dermatitis
Dermatitis (2)
Lichen planus
Lichen planus (2)
Before taking Halcinonide
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to halcinonide or other corticosteroids, and in those with untreated skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal). (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Halcinonide
- General Instructions: Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2–3 times daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not cover with bandages or dressings unless instructed.. Adult Dosing: Apply a thin film to the affected skin area 2–3 times daily. Maximum duration and frequency should be determined by your healthcare provider.. Pediatric Dosing: Use the smallest amount for the shortest duration possible. Avoid use in children under 12 years unless directed by a physician.. Administration: For external use only. Wash hands before and after application. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.. When To Stop: Seek medical advice promptly if you experience irritation, an allergic reaction, or a lack of improvement after 2 weeks; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop treatment.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.
Overdose
Overuse or accidental ingestion can lead to systemic corticosteroid effects such as adrenal suppression. If swallowed or used excessively, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Skin atrophy
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Burning
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Itching
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Irritation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Folliculitis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Acneiform eruptions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Striae
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypopigmentation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dryness
Incidence: Listed on the FDA label; specific frequency not published
Hypertrichosis (increased hair growth at the application site)
Incidence: Listed on the FDA label; specific frequency not published
Allergic contact dermatitis
Incidence: Listed on the FDA label; specific frequency not published
Serious warnings
Do not use on the face, groin, or underarms unless prescribed — serious
Symptoms: Do not use on the face, groin, or underarms unless prescribed. Prolonged use increases risk of systemic absorption and side effects. Children are at higher risk for side effects — a higher skin-surface-to-body-weight ratio means children absorb proportionally more drug and are at greater risk of systemic toxicity. Seek medical advice promptly if signs of skin infection develop; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop treatment. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Systemic absorption of halcinonide through the skin can cause reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and, in some patients, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome — serious
Symptoms: Systemic absorption of halcinonide through the skin can cause reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and, in some patients, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. This risk is higher with a high-potency corticosteroid such as halcinonide, larger treated body-surface area, longer duration of use, and use under occlusive dressings. A clinician may use urinary free cortisol or ACTH stimulation testing to check for HPA-axis suppression if it is suspected.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to halcinonide or other corticosteroids, and in those with untreated skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal). Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. Use with caution in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with skin atrophy or chronic skin conditions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Halcinonide is unlikely to interact with oral medications due to minimal systemic absorption when used as directed. However, concurrent use with other topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and topical products you are using. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Topical corticosteroids, including halcinonide, have been shown to be teratogenic in animal studies when given systemically at relatively low doses; there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Halcinonide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus — discuss this with the clinician managing the pregnancy before starting or continuing treatment. (2)
Breastfeeding
The clinician-authored record and the FDA label do not establish specific breastfeeding guidance for halcinonide; because systemic absorption is possible with high-potency topical corticosteroids, seek advice from the clinician you see before using it while breastfeeding, particularly on or near the breast. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. Children absorb proportionally more topical corticosteroid than adults because of a higher skin-surface-to-body-weight ratio and are at greater risk of systemic toxicity, including HPA-axis suppression. (2)
Renal_impairment
No FDA guidance exists for the use of topical halcinonide specifically in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, because normal topical use produces minimal systemic absorption. However, factors that increase systemic absorption — application over large body-surface areas, prolonged use, or use under occlusive dressings — raise the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects (HPA-axis suppression), and patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment may be more susceptible to those systemic effects if they occur; discuss any organ-impairment history with the prescriber before extended or large-area use. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No FDA guidance exists for the use of topical halcinonide specifically in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, because normal topical use produces minimal systemic absorption. However, factors that increase systemic absorption — application over large body-surface areas, prolonged use, or use under occlusive dressings — raise the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects (HPA-axis suppression), and patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment may be more susceptible to those systemic effects if they occur; discuss any organ-impairment history with the prescriber before extended or large-area use. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature; avoid exposing to excessive heat above 104°F (40°C). Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, lichen planus)
Dose summary: Apply a thin film to the affected area two to three times daily (CORRECTED — an earlier draft of this record said "once or twice daily," which contradicted the clinician database's own how-to-take section and the FDA label; the FDA HALOG label confirms two to three times daily is the approved frequency). Occlusive dressings may be used for resistant lesions under clinician direction, with dressings renewed approximately every 12 hours.
Renal context: The FDA HALOG label does not specify a renal-impairment dose adjustment; topical halcinonide is not systemically dosed in the way an oral or injectable drug is, and normal use produces minimal systemic absorption. No routine dose adjustment is defined for renal impairment; however, if systemic absorption is increased by large-surface-area or prolonged use, or occlusive dressings, renal status may affect handling of any absorbed drug — discuss extended or large-area use with the prescriber if there is significant renal impairment. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
The FDA HALOG label does not specify a hepatic-impairment dose adjustment for this topical product, for the same reason: normal use produces minimal systemic absorption. If systemic absorption increases (large body-surface area, prolonged use, occlusive dressings), hepatic status may affect clearance of any absorbed corticosteroid — discuss extended or large-area use with the prescriber if there is significant hepatic impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Halcinonide used for?
Halcinonide is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
How long can I use Halcinonide?
Use Halcinonide for the shortest duration necessary, typically no longer than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor.
Can I use Halcinonide on my face?
Do not use Halcinonide on your face unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider, as the skin is more sensitive and prone to side effects.
Is Halcinonide safe for children?
Halcinonide should be used with caution in children and only under medical supervision, as they are more susceptible to side effects.
What should I do if I develop a skin infection while using Halcinonide?
Seek medical advice promptly if you notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus at the application site — let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop treatment.
Can I use Halcinonide while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Consult your doctor before using Halcinonide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
What happens if I use too much Halcinonide?
Using too much can increase the risk of side effects, including skin thinning and systemic absorption. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
What happens if I take too much Halcinonide?
As Halcinonide is a topical medication, systemic overdose is rare. However, excessive or prolonged use, especially on large skin areas or under occlusive dressings, can lead to systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushing's syndrome or adrenal suppression. If you suspect an overdose or experience unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services; let the healthcare professional you see advise on whether to continue or stop treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Halcinonide?
Since Halcinonide is a topical medication, direct interactions with orally ingested alcohol are generally not expected. However, excessive alcohol consumption can sometimes exacerbate certain skin conditions or impair overall health, which might indirectly affect the efficacy or management of the condition being treated with Halcinonide. It's always best to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Is Halcinonide safe during pregnancy?
The pregnancy category for Halcinonide is not definitively established and requires careful consideration. Due to the potential for systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids, especially high-potency ones, it is crucial to consult your doctor before using Halcinonide if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can assess the risks and benefits to you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Halcinonide?
Halcinonide is a high-potency synthetic corticosteroid that exerts anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects. It binds to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene expression and suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Halcinonide?
The generic name is Halcinonide. It is sold under brand names including Halcinonide Cream, Halcinon, Halog.
What class of drug is Halcinonide?
Halcinonide is classed as: Dermatology.
References
- Halcinonide — medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · null · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- HALOG (halcinonide cream, USP) 0.1% — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- HALOG (HALCINONIDE CREAM) CREAM [GENUS LIFESCIENCES INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Halcinonide Topical — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- HALOG — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA017823)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Halcinonide — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 5084)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Halcinonide names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Halog1 mg/mL, 1 mg/g · e.r. squibb & sons, l.l.c.