Atopic Dermatitis Knowledge Centre
Topical corticosteroids
Focus on LOCOID™
LOCOID is a preparation of hydrocortisone 17-butyrate designed for the management of topical corticosteroid-responsive skin disorders, particularly atopic dermatitis. It has the chemical formula C25H36O6 and the chemical name 11,17,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione-17α butyrate. LOCOID is a topical corticosteroid preparation of high potency, available in a range of formulations including creams, lotions, ointments and scalp lotions, all containing 0.1% hydrocortisone 17-butyrate. The choice of formulation offers patients a treatment for their atopic dermatitis according to their personal preferences. It also allows optimal delivery of the active drug, in different regions of the body. Hydrocortisone butyrate has been classified as one of the topical corticosteroids of high therapeutic index by the German Dermatology Society11 and is indicated for the treatment of conditions responsive to topical corticosteroids, including dermatitis and psoriasis. When applied to the skin, LOCOID is rapidly converted to the inactive drug hydrocortisone 21-butyrate, which is then further split into hydrocortisone and butyric acid. Such extensive metabolism ensures that the activity of hydrocortisone butyrate is confined to the epidermis and that systemic absorption of the parent drug is minimised.12 This provides a reason why LOCOID may be associated with a lower incidence of undesirable effects, compared to many other topical steroid preparations in its class.
Abbreviated Prescribing Information
References:
11. German Dermatological Society – Topical Dermatotherapy with Glucocorticoids – Therapeutic Index. Available from: http:/anti-infectives/Paris-Event/Live-Webcast.cfmwww.uniduesseldorf.de/AWMF/ll/013-034.htm [Accessed July 2010].
12. Korstanje C, Dijkman J. Hydrocortisone 17-butyrate. In: Maibach H, Surber C, eds. Topical corticosteroids. Basel: Karger, 1992:435–50.
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© February 2010 Astellas Pharma Europe LTD.
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