From the Guidelines
Mometasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid medication used to treat inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions in various conditions, including psoriasis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. It's available in several forms including nasal sprays (such as Nasonex), inhalers (like Asmanex), creams, ointments, and lotions for different applications. As a nasal spray, it's typically dosed at 2 sprays (50 mcg per spray) in each nostril once daily for allergic rhinitis, as seen in studies such as 1. For asthma management, the inhaler is usually prescribed at 220-440 mcg once daily in the evening. Topical formulations are generally applied thinly to affected skin areas once daily, with some studies suggesting combination therapy with other agents like salicylic acid may enhance efficacy, as noted in 1. Mometasone works by reducing inflammation through suppressing the immune response and inhibiting inflammatory cells and mediators. It has relatively low systemic absorption compared to some other corticosteroids, which helps minimize potential side effects, as discussed in 1. Common side effects may include nasal irritation with the spray, throat irritation with the inhaler, or skin thinning with topical applications. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider's specific dosing instructions for their condition, considering guidelines such as those provided in 1 and 1 for various applications, including pediatric and pregnancy contexts. Given the most recent and highest quality evidence, the use of mometasone, especially in its topical form, is supported for managing conditions like atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients, as outlined in 1, emphasizing the importance of prudent use to avoid adverse effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
Mometasone Furoate Ointment USP, 0. 1% contains mometasone furoate for topical use. Mometasone furoate is a synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Mometasone Furoate Ointment, 0.1% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) for the relief of redness, swelling, heat, pain (inflammation) and itching, caused by certain skin problems in people 2 years of age and older.
Mometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity, used for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients ≥2 years of age 2.
- It is used to treat certain skin problems, including redness, swelling, heat, pain (inflammation), and itching.
- Mometasone furoate is the active ingredient in Mometasone Furoate Ointment, 0.1%, which is a topical corticosteroid.
- The mechanism of action of mometasone furoate is thought to be through the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, which control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation 2.
From the Research
Definition and Classification of Mometasone
- Mometasone is a synthetic 16 alpha-methyl analogue of beclomethasone, classified as a 'potent' glucocorticoid for dermatological use 3.
- It is available as 0.1% cream, ointment, and lotion formulations for the treatment of patients with inflammatory glucocorticoid-responsive dermatoses 3.
Therapeutic Use of Mometasone
- Mometasone is effective in the management of patients with atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and psoriasis vulgaris 3, 4.
- It has been shown to be more effective than other glucocorticoids of similar or weaker potency in some cases 3, 4.
- Mometasone offers the convenience of once-daily administration, with a low potential for causing primary sensitization and cross-reactions with other topical glucocorticoids 3, 5.
Mechanism of Action and Safety Profile
- The therapeutic effect of mometasone may be partially explained by its ability to block the synthesis of different cytokines, which play a pivotal role in epidermal hyperproliferation and leukocyte recruitment into the skin 6.
- Mometasone has a low potential to cause adverse systemic effects, such as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and its atrophogenic potential is low 3, 7.
- Transient, mild to moderate, local adverse effects have been reported with mometasone, including burning, stinging, folliculitis, dryness, acneiform eruptions, and signs of skin atrophy 3.