What are the brand names of corticosteroids available in the United States?

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Last updated: September 24, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Brand Names of Corticosteroids Available in the USA

Based on the clinical guidelines and evidence provided, here are the brand names of topical and systemic corticosteroids commonly available in the United States:

Topical Corticosteroids

Ultra-High Potency (Class 1)

  • Clobex (clobetasol propionate 0.05% - foam, cream, ointment) 1, 2
  • Temovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) 1
  • Ultravate (halobetasol propionate) 3, 2
  • Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate cream or ointment) 2

High Potency (Class 2-3)

  • Topicort (desoximetasone 0.25%) 1
  • Lidex (fluocinonide 0.05%) 1

Mid-Strength Potency (Class 4-5)

  • Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide 0.025%, 0.1%, 0.5%) 1, 4
  • Aristocort (triamcinolone acetonide - various concentrations) 1, 4
  • Synalar (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.2%) 1, 4
  • Cordran (flurandrenolide 0.05%) 1
  • Cutivate (fluticasone propionate 0.05%) 1
  • Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%) 1
  • Dermatop (prednicarbate 0.1%) 1

Lower Potency (Class 6-7)

  • Hytone (hydrocortisone 1.0%, 2.5%) 1, 4
  • Desonide (various brands - 0.05%) 2
  • Aclovate (aclometasone) 2
  • Valisone (betamethasone valerate 0.1%) 4

Systemic Corticosteroids

Oral Formulations

  • Prednisone (generic and various brand names) 2, 5, 6
  • Cortef (hydrocortisone) 6
  • Cortone (cortisone acetate) 6
  • Medrol (methylprednisolone) 2

Injectable Formulations

  • Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide for intralesional injection) 7
  • Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone IV) 2

Important Clinical Considerations

Potency varies significantly between formulations, even when the same steroid is used at different concentrations 4. The vasoconstriction assay demonstrates that higher concentrations don't always equal greater biologic activity - for example, Kenalog 0.025% equals 0.1% equals 0.5% in clinical potency 4.

Generic vs. brand formulations may differ in vehicle excipients, potentially affecting irritancy, allergenicity, and barrier function effects, even when the active ingredient and concentration are identical 8, 9. One study showed an 80% less expensive generic fluocinolone preparation had inferior clinical response compared to the brand-name medication 10.

Selection should be based on: disease severity, anatomic location (lower potency for face/intertriginous areas), patient age, and treatment duration 3, 1. Class 1 steroids are recommended for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis, with careful supervision required for longer use 1.

References

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.