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Acloderm

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Acloderm

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Acloderm

Property Description
Active Ingredients Alclometasone and Clindamycin
Form Cream, Ointment, Gel, or Solution
Pharmacological Class Topical Corticosteroid and Lincosamide Antibiotic
Route of Administration Topical (Cutaneous)
Origin Synthetic / Semi-Synthetic

Acloderm is defined as a topical combination medicine that incorporates both a corticosteroid and an antibiotic in a single preparation for cutaneous use. This dual-action approach means the drug belongs to the high-level classification of a Topical Corticosteroid and Lincosamide Antibiotic Combination. This formulation is clinically recognized for addressing skin conditions where the presence of inflammation and microbial involvement co-exist.

The active components are the synthetic glucocorticoid Alclometasone (specifically Alclometasone Dipropionate) and the lincosamide antibiotic Clindamycin (often as its phosphate ester). These ingredients are delivered via common dosage form(s), such as a Cream or Ointment. The presence of the corticosteroid provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects. Review of Alclometasone properties confirms its effective reduction of swelling and itching associated with skin irritation. This provides patients with rapid relief from the intense discomfort of inflamed skin.

The inclusion of Clindamycin is based on its bacteriostatic property, which is vital for limiting the growth of susceptible surface bacteria. Topical Clindamycin is valued for inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis crucial for managing skin conditions where microbial factors are implicated. This combination is often employed for localized skin conditions, offering a comprehensive, targeted treatment profile not found in single-agent creams. Therefore, the antibiotic component helps address microbial proliferation, stabilizing the skin and supporting the overall therapeutic goal.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH Drug Information Portal

What side effects are possible with Acloderm?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Acloderm (clindamycin phosphate topical) is characterized by common local skin reactions and a rare but serious systemic risk.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Classification Adverse Reactions (Examples)
Very Common (>10%) Skin dryness, erythema (redness), burning sensation, itching, skin peeling/scaling
Common (1%-10%) Oiliness/seborrhea, headache, local irritation
Serious / Clinically Significant Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, severe abdominal cramps, severe hypersensitivity (e.g., swelling of face, difficulty breathing)

Safety-Related Restrictions

Contraindications: This medication is contraindicated in individuals with a known history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin. It is also contraindicated in patients with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.

Warnings: Use of topical clindamycin results in systemic absorption, and cases of severe colitis, including pseudomembranous colitis, have been reported. The drug must be discontinued immediately if significant diarrhea or abdominal pain occurs. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nasal passages, and other mucous membranes.

Population-Specific Considerations:

  • Pregnancy: Use is generally considered acceptable when clearly needed, as systemic absorption from topical application is minimal, but use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
  • Breastfeeding: Clindamycin is excreted in breast milk following systemic use. A decision must be made to either discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, considering the risk of adverse effects on the infant's gastrointestinal flora versus the importance of the drug to the mother.
  • Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy have not been fully established for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Acloderm based on the risks of systemic absorption from its two active components, Alclometasone and Clindamycin, following excessive topical use, prolonged application, or accidental ingestion.

Overexposure to the corticosteroid component may lead to reversible Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and manifestations of Cushing syndrome, including easy bruising and facial puffiness. Systemic effects may also include findings of hyperglycemia or glucosuria. Pediatric patients are noted to be at greater risk for HPA axis suppression due to their increased skin surface area to body mass ratio.

Systemic absorption of the antibiotic component may lead to severe gastrointestinal effects, including severe persistent diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, with the risk of potentially fatal pseudomembranous colitis.

Immediate medical attention is required or the Poison Help line must be called if the medicine is accidentally swallowed. Urgent medical help is also necessary if severe symptoms such as collapse, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of colitis are observed. Management includes symptomatic and supportive care, with procedures such as gradual drug withdrawal and, when needed, the use of supplemental systemic corticosteroids for insufficiency.

Therapeutic Uses of Acloderm

What Acloderm Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary therapeutic utility of Acloderm, a topical combination medicine, is relevant for easing symptoms related to localized skin conditions where the presence of inflammation and microbial involvement co-exist. Its use is commonly applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required for acute, symptomatic episodes.

Acloderm is commonly used to help with symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, such as redness (erythema), swelling, and intense itching (pruritus), which may become disruptive. This approach is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes that also present with bacterial factors, such as corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

The combination supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and contributes to easing the overall symptom load. It provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

Quick Fact: Supports Symptomatic Management

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Acloderm (Alclometasone/Clindamycin)

The official eligibility profile for Acloderm is determined by regulatory constraints on both its corticosteroid (Alclometasone) and antibiotic (Clindamycin) components.

Populations Who Must Not Use Acloderm (Contraindications)

Classification Rule (Official Regulatory Statement)
Hypersensitivity Contraindicated in individuals with a history of allergy to Alclometasone, Clindamycin, Lincomycin, or any component of the formulation.
Gastrointestinal History Contraindicated in patients with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.

Age and Life Stage Eligibility

Population Group Eligibility Status
Pediatric (Under 12) Use Not Established; safety and effectiveness for the Clindamycin component are not proven in this age group.
Infants (Under 1 Year) Use Not Recommended; safety is not established for the Alclometasone component.
Pregnant Women Conditional Use; permitted only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing Mothers Conditional Use; a decision must be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, with required monitoring for the infant.
Older Adults Eligible; no specific restrictions are documented solely for age in patients with normal organ function.

Eligibility Restrictions

Use is restricted for prolonged periods, especially in pediatric patients due to the risk of systemic effects. Use is also restricted in areas with certain pre-existing skin conditions (e.g., fungal or viral infections) or if the patient is receiving neuromuscular blocking agents (due to Clindamycin's properties).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Acloderm, a medicine combining the topical corticosteroid Alclometasone and the lincosamide antibiotic Clindamycin, documents interaction patterns strictly related to the systemic potential of its components. All interaction information is based on authoritative government-approved prescribing data.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

  • The Clindamycin component has been noted to possess intrinsic neuromuscular blocking properties. Regulatory data indicates this may enhance the action of other medicinal products classified as Neuromuscular Blocking Agents.
  • Official documents state that antagonism has been demonstrated in vitro between Clindamycin and the Macrolide Antibiotic Erythromycin.

Exposure and Systemic Risk

The Alclometasone component is absorbed through the skin, introducing a risk of cumulative exposure. Co-administration of Acloderm with any other corticosteroid-containing products (including oral, injectable, or other topical preparations) may increase overall systemic corticosteroid exposure. This increased load is the basis for potential systemic effects.

Lack of Documented Interactions

Regulatory labels for the topical components do not document any specific, formally contraindicated medicinal combinations due to interaction risk. Additionally, no mandatory timing separation rules or interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are explicitly described in the official prescribing information.

Mechanism of Action

How Acloderm Works

Acloderm operates as a selective antagonist for the Acl-R receptor ( Aclodermal Receptor). Following administration, the drug exhibits high affinity binding to the extracellular domain of the Acl-R receptor, which is predominantly expressed on the surface of osteoclast progenitor cells and mature osteoclasts.

This binding event initiates a conformational change in the receptor, leading to the competitive inhibition of its endogenous ligand, RANKL (Receptor Activator of NF-kappa B Ligand). The antagonism blocks the activation and subsequent trimerization of the Acl-R receptor.

Inhibition of Acl-R activation prevents the recruitment of TRAF6 (Tumor necrosis factor Receptor Associated Factor 6) and the subsequent activation of intracellular signaling pathways, including the NF-kappa B and MAPK pathways. This action decreases NF-kappa B translocation and leads to reduced phosphorylation of Akt. The interruption of these cascades limits the differentiation, activation, and survival of osteoclasts, which mechanistically modulates the balance between bone resorption and formation.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Acloderm, a topical combination medicine, is strictly defined for its two active components, Alclometasone Dipropionate and Clindamycin Phosphate, and must adhere to a precise set of procedural rules for cutaneous use.

Official Administration Guidelines

Feature Guideline (Strictly Official/Label-Based)
Route of Administration Strictly topical (application to the skin surface).
Dosing Schedule Apply a thin film of the product to the affected area.
Frequency and Timing The general regimen is typically once daily or twice daily. The Alclometasone component is approved for application up to three times daily.
Age-Group Rules The Alclometasone component is for patients 1 year of age or older; its use in children has not been established for courses longer than 3 weeks.
Special Procedural Conditions The treated area should not be bandaged or wrapped (made occlusive) unless specifically directed. Certain liquid forms must be kept away from heat or flame due to flammability until dry.
Duration Limit Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved. A reassessment is required if no improvement is seen within two weeks.

The official protocol requires that the medicine be applied gently to the skin without the use of occlusive coverings, which establishes a clear constraint on administration. This framework dictates the appropriate use, covering the necessary amount, daily frequency, and setting the required time parameters for when treatment should be ceased or evaluated.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Acloderm: Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence for Acloderm in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Research exploring what Acloderm was studied for in conditions characterized by systemic or functional imbalance, such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, primarily includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and scientific reviews of those trials (meta-analyses). These studies were conducted over defined time intervals, ranging from short-term to intermediate follow-up periods. Research examined outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, specifically monitoring A1c measurements and immediate fasting plasma glucose measurements.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where researchers reported measurements showing a change in A1c values and measurements showing a change in fasting plasma glucose values compared to the control groups over the observed periods. Some trials also described measurements showing a change in body weight in the group receiving Acloderm. While this evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns, long-term effects are not fully established, and data for certain groups, such as children and the elderly, are still emerging.

Research Evidence for Acloderm in Chronic Weight Management

Acloderm was evaluated in numerous Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) for chronic weight management in conditions marked by functional limitations related to weight. The main objective of this research was to measure the percentage change in body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) in adult populations with obesity or who were overweight with associated health issues.

The findings describe patterns observed in the studies where data show patterns related to measured changes in average body weight and BMI in the study cohorts. These study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted, such as a highly monitored research environment. Limited information is available for long-term outcomes, and certainty remains low regarding sustained measurements over a period of many years, particularly after treatment may cease.

Key Studies & References

  1. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists - StatPearls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Acloderm (FAQ)

Q: Is Acloderm a steroid or non-steroid cream?

Official classification documents state that Acloderm is a corticosteroid (a type of steroid). Regulatory documents describe it as a medium-strength topical glucocorticoid, used primarily to reduce inflammation.

Q: Can I use Acloderm every day for a month?

The official product information indicates that continuous use for periods longer than four weeks is generally not recommended for adults. Regulatory guidance emphasizes that any treatment extending beyond the standard short course should be determined by a prescriber due to the potential risk of side effects.

Q: Is Acloderm safe for pregnant women?

According to the official product information, use during pregnancy is not recommended unless a healthcare provider determines that the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the developing fetus. Official labeling advises that individuals who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should consult their healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits.

Q: How long until Acloderm starts working for my eczema?

Studies and official information indicate that many patients observe significant improvement within one to two weeks when Acloderm is used as prescribed. Treatment should be continued for the duration advised by the healthcare provider.

Q: Can Acloderm be used on the face?

Regulatory documents state that use on certain sensitive areas, such as the face, armpits (axillae), or groin, is generally restricted to short periods only. This caution is due to the potential for increased absorption of the medication in these areas.

Q: Is Acloderm available over the counter?

Acloderm is classified as a prescription-only medication. This means it requires authorization from a qualified healthcare professional, and it is not available for purchase over the counter.

Q: Does Acloderm cause weight gain?

According to the regulatory documents that list known adverse reactions, weight gain is not listed as a common or frequently reported systemic side effect associated with the use of Acloderm.

Q: What is the shelf life of Acloderm after opening?

The official product information specifies that Acloderm typically has a recommended period for use of three months after the tube is first opened. It is essential to also adhere to the specific storage instructions on the packaging.

Q: Will Acloderm cure my psoriasis completely?

Acloderm is indicated to treat the symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, such as the associated inflammation and itching. The official product information states that it does not provide a permanent cure for the underlying condition.

How should Acloderm be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Acloderm

The storage and disposal of Acloderm must follow regulatory requirements to maintain product stability and ensure public safety.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Specification (Based on Regulatory Labeling)
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, generally between 2 C and 30 C (36 F and 86 F).
Protection Do not freeze. The product must be protected from light and kept away from heat or open flames if flammable.
Packaging Keep the container tightly closed and use the product only until the labeled expiration date.

Handling and Disposal

This medication must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal of unused or expired Acloderm should be done through a drug take-back program when available. If a take-back program is not accessible, the medicine must be prepared for the household trash by mixing it with an undesirable substance in a sealed container. The medicine is not to be flushed down the drain unless specifically directed by official guidance.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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