From the Guidelines
Mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment is classified as a medium-potency (Class 4) topical corticosteroid. This classification is based on the most recent evidence from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1. The medication's potency spectrum makes it stronger than low-potency options like hydrocortisone but less potent than high-potency steroids such as clobetasol. Mometasone's classification as a medium-potency steroid makes it versatile for treating various inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Some key points to consider when using mometasone 0.1% ointment include:
- The ointment formulation provides additional occlusive properties that enhance penetration and efficacy compared to cream or lotion forms of the same medication.
- Treatment duration should generally be limited to 2-4 weeks to minimize potential side effects such as skin thinning, striae, or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression that can occur with prolonged use of topical steroids.
- The choice of corticosteroid potency and vehicle should be based on disease severity, disease location, patient preference, and the age of the patient, as outlined in the guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1.
- Lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the face, intertriginous areas, and areas that are susceptible to steroid atrophy, while areas with thick, chronic plaques often require treatment with higher potency corticosteroids.
It's worth noting that evidence on the efficacy of topical corticosteroids from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) varies due to differences in study designs, patient populations, and end points, making it difficult to do an accurate statistical comparison of the majority of published studies 1. However, the classification of mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment as a medium-potency (Class 4) topical corticosteroid is supported by the most recent and highest quality evidence available 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Studies performed with Mometasone Furoate Lotion (Mometasone Furoate Topical Solution USP 0. 1%) indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids. The topical steroid class of mometasone (0.1% ointment) is medium potency 2, 2.
- Key points:
- Mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
- The drug is indicated for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
From the Research
Topical Steroid Class of Mometasone
- Mometasone (0.1% ointment) is classified as a 'potent' glucocorticoid for dermatological use 3
- It is considered a medium-potency synthetic 17-heterocyclic corticosteroid 4
- Mometasone furoate is a potent glucocorticoid (class III) with a favorable benefit/risk ratio 5
Comparison with Other Glucocorticoids
- Mometasone 0.1% was significantly superior to twice-daily application of less potent glucocorticoids such as clobetasone 0.05%, hydrocortisone 1.0%, hydrocortisone butyrate and hydrocortisone valerate 0.2% 3
- Mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment was more effective than fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% ointment and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment in the treatment of psoriasis 4
Efficacy and Safety
- Mometasone 0.1% has shown a low risk of primary sensitisation and cross-reactions in preliminary patch test studies 3
- The incidence of local adverse experiences following treatment with the ointment or cream formulations of mometasone was minimal 4
- Mometasone furoate ointment and cream provide a highly effective once-a-day treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis with minimal risk of side effects 4