Also called flurandrenolone, a steroid cream and tape for inflamed skin
Flurandrenolide
A steroid cream, ointment and medicated tape used to calm inflamed, itchy skin conditions.
What is Flurandrenolide?
Flurandrenolide, also called flurandrenolone, is a topical corticosteroid (a steroid that is put on the skin) used to calm inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It is available as a cream, ointment and, distinctively, as a medicated tape that can be applied to small, stubborn patches. It reduces redness, itching and swelling. Like all steroid creams it should be used in a thin layer for the time advised, avoiding the face, skin folds and large areas where possible, because overuse can thin the skin. It is not commonly used in the UK.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Flurandrenolide — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Flurandrenolide, also known as flurandrenolone, is a topical corticosteroid, meaning a steroid medicine applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation. It is used for inflammatory, itchy skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. As well as cream and ointment, it comes as a medicated tape, which is a useful way to treat small, thickened or stubborn patches because the tape holds the steroid against the skin. It is used for short courses on affected areas under medical advice. It is not one of the topical steroids commonly used in the UK.
How it works
Flurandrenolide is a corticosteroid that calms the overactive immune and inflammatory response in the skin. By damping this down, it reduces the redness, swelling, itching and irritation of inflammatory skin conditions. When used as a tape, it both delivers the steroid and covers the patch, which can help it work on thickened or stubborn areas. Because it is a steroid acting on the skin, using too much, for too long, or on delicate areas can thin the skin, which is why it is applied thinly and for limited periods.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic (long-established).
A topical corticosteroid, also known as flurandrenolone, used on the skin (including as a medicated tape) for inflammatory skin conditions; it is not commonly used in the UK.
What it treats
Conditions Flurandrenolide is used for
Practical use
How to take Flurandrenolide
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, as often as directed and for the time advised.
- Avoid the face, skin folds and large areas unless your prescriber has told you it is suitable.
- If using the medicated tape, apply it to small, clean patches as directed and change it as advised.
- Wash your hands after applying it, unless your hands are the area being treated.
- See your prescriber if the skin does not improve, gets worse, or looks infected.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Flurandrenolide
Advantages
- Calms redness, itching and swelling in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
- Comes as a cream, ointment and a medicated tape, the tape being useful for small, stubborn patches.
- Works directly on the skin, with little reaching the rest of the body when used correctly.
Disadvantages
- Overuse, long-term use or use on delicate areas can thin the skin and cause stretch marks or thread veins.
- Should generally be avoided on the face and large areas unless specifically advised.
- Can worsen some untreated skin infections if used on them.
Practical use
Good to know
The main thing to know about flurandrenolide, as with any steroid cream, is to use the smallest amount that works for the shortest time needed: applying a thin layer to the affected area only, and avoiding the face, skin folds and large areas of skin unless specifically advised, because long-term or heavy use can thin the skin, cause stretch marks or thread veins, and worsen some skin infections. The medicated tape is a distinctive form that suits small, thickened or stubborn patches, but the same care about overuse applies. If a large amount is used over a big area for a long time, enough steroid can be absorbed to affect the body. It is sensible to use a separate moisturiser to look after the skin, and to see your prescriber if the skin does not improve or seems infected.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to flurandrenolide or similar steroids should not use it.
- It should not be applied to skin that is infected, unless an infection is being treated at the same time.
- It is used with extra care on the face, in skin folds, on broken skin and in young children.
- Use on large areas for long periods needs medical advice, as more steroid can be absorbed.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how the skin responds and whether treatment is still needed.
- Watching for skin thinning or other local side effects with longer use.
- Checking for signs of skin infection that may need separate treatment.
Side effects
- Thinning of the skin, stretch marks or thread veins with overuse or long-term use.
- Burning, stinging, irritation or dryness where it is applied.
- Worsening of an untreated skin infection if used on infected skin.
- Rarely, with heavy long-term use over large areas, enough absorption to affect the body.
Key interactions
- There are few important interactions with other medicines, as little is absorbed when used correctly.
- Using several steroid products together can add up, so tell your prescriber what else you use on your skin.
- Heavy use over large areas, especially under dressings or tape, increases how much is absorbed.
Available as: Cream, ointment and a medicated steroid tape applied to the skin.
Answers
Flurandrenolide: frequently asked questions
What is flurandrenolide used for?
It is a steroid medicine applied to the skin to calm inflammatory, itchy skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, reducing redness, swelling and itching.
What is the medicated tape for?
The tape holds the steroid against the skin and is useful for treating small, thickened or stubborn patches; the same care about not overusing it still applies.
Can I use it on my face?
The face and skin folds should generally be avoided unless your prescriber specifically advises it, because the skin there is delicate and thins more easily.
Why should I use only a thin layer?
Using a thin layer for the shortest time needed reduces the risk of side effects such as skin thinning, which can come from overuse or long-term use.
Is it the same as flurandrenolone?
Yes, flurandrenolide and flurandrenolone are two names for the same topical corticosteroid.
The wider class
About Topical corticosteroid (steroid cream/tape)
Flurandrenolide belongs to the topical corticosteroid (steroid cream/tape) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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