Caderma

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Caderma

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Caderma

Property Description
Active ingredient Prednicarbate
Form Cream, Ointment (Topical formulation)
Pharmacological class Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid)
General purpose Relief of inflammation and itching
Origin Synthetic steroid (Non-halogenated)

Caderma is a dermatological medicine distinguished by its active ingredient, Prednicarbate, a synthetic steroid compound used for its potent anti-inflammatory action. The medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class, specifically categorized as a Glucocorticoid used for Topical application.

Identity and Classification

Prednicarbate is a prescription-only compound. Prednicarbate is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. As such, the medication is designed to manage the key physical signs of skin inflammation. The compound is also chemically recognized as a non-halogenated derivative of prednisolone, a structural distinction that separates it from certain older, halogenated steroid Analogues and defines its specific pharmacological profile.

Composition and General Purpose

The composition of Caderma features Prednicarbate as the Single active chemical entity, delivered via the Cutaneous route, presented in two primary Dosage form(s): a cream and an ointment Topical formulation. The choice between the forms relates to the desired base consistency, with the ointment offering a more occlusive and emollient effect compared to the emulsion-based cream.

The general purpose of this Topical Glucocorticoid is to relieve the core symptoms of chronic dermatoses through its strong anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects. Prednicarbate provides effective suppression of local inflammation in the skin. The medicine is clinically recognized for stabilizing irritated tissue and interrupting the cycle of itching and inflammation, providing targeted relief from the physical manifestations of the condition.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed information on Prednicarbate
  2. NIH DailyMed

What side effects are possible with Caderma?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Caderma, which contains the topical corticosteroid Prednicarbate, has an official safety profile that documents both local and systemic adverse reactions, as defined in government regulatory labeling.

Documented Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects are local skin reactions at the application site. In clinical studies of the ointment formulation, the incidence of these reactions was approximately 1.5%:

Adverse Reaction System-Organ Class
Burning, Pruritus (Itching) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Drying, Scaling, Cracking, Pain Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Irritant Dermatitis Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Other local effects documented in official labeling, with unspecified frequency, include folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, skin atrophy (thinning), and allergic contact dermatitis.

Serious Systemic Safety Concerns

Due to the potential for the glucocorticoid to be absorbed systemically, the labeling documents the risk of serious effects associated with the Endocrine/Metabolic/Systemic class. These include:

  • Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis suppression
  • Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome
  • Intracranial Hypertension (reported in pediatric patients)

Population and Exposure Constraints

The risk of these serious systemic effects increases with application to a large surface area and the use of occlusive dressings (bandaging). Regulatory information specifically notes that pediatric patients face a greater risk of HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome due to a higher skin surface area-to-body weight ratio. The product is also contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components. A safety restriction further notes that base components of the cream and ointment may damage latex-containing products.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose with Caderma (Prednicarbate) is defined by the risk of systemic absorption through the skin, which can lead to adverse effects on the body's endocrine system and the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis). This systemic exposure is primarily documented following use over large body surface areas, prolonged application, or under occlusive dressings.

Documented Overdose Presentations

Regulatory documents describe systemic overdose manifestations that may include clinical signs consistent with Cushing's syndrome or laboratory findings such as hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Upon abrupt discontinuation, signs of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency may occur, requiring specific procedural management.

Population-Specific Risk

Pediatric patients are officially noted to be at a greater risk for systemic toxicity, including HPA axis suppression and manifestations of intracranial hypertension. Signs in this population can include linear growth retardation and delayed weight gain.

When Immediate Medical Help is Required

If a systemic overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. The official guidance states that emergency services (call 911) must be contacted immediately for severe, life-threatening symptoms such as trouble breathing or passing out. Management procedures involve prompt drug withdrawal or reduction in application frequency. Supplemental systemic corticosteroids may be necessary if HPA axis insufficiency is confirmed. No specific antidote is known.

Therapeutic Uses of Caderma

Caderma may be relevant in therapeutic domains characterized by heightened, non-infectious skin reactions, as it helps address symptoms of various inflammatory dermatoses. Based on its active ingredient, Prednicarbate, this topical medication is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. It is generally used across conditions presenting with episodic or fluctuating manifestations including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, and other irritative states where the primary issue is inflammation.

The medication may be relevant for addressing symptom clusters that may become noticeable or disruptive, specifically redness, swelling, and pruritus (itching). It is applied in contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed to assist with managing distressing manifestations. This supportive relief may contribute to improved day-to-day comfort and assists patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.

“It is commonly used in conditions that involve a chronic combination of inflammation, redness, and persistent itching.”

It is used in settings where temporary assistance in symptom management is relevant for both acute episodes and the recurrent manifestations of long-term skin diseases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Inflammatory Symptoms

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Caderma (prednicarbate) eligibility rules are strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on specific age groups, medical conditions, and physiological states.

Populations for Whom Use Is Defined

Classification Population Restriction Details (Official Labeling)
Contraindicated Patients with Hypersensitivity History of allergy to prednicarbate or any component of the preparation.
Specific Skin Infections Must not be used for bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections (e.g., chickenpox, syphilis, tuberculosis of the skin).
Diaper Dermatitis Not recommended for the treatment of diaper rash in infants.
Use Established Adults Approved for use in corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
Use With Caution Pediatric Patients Cream: May be used in children ge 1 year of age; Ointment: Established for children ge 10 years of age.
Pregnant Women Classified as Pregnancy Category C; use is permitted only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Systemic Conditions Use requires caution in patients with conditions like diabetes or Cushing's syndrome due to the risk of systemic absorption.

Age-Related and Duration Restrictions

Safety and efficacy have not been established for the cream formulation in children below 1 year of age and the ointment formulation in children below 10 years of age. Use in all pediatric patients for longer than three weeks has also not been established. Due to a larger skin surface area-to-body mass ratio, children are at a greater risk of systemic effects like HPA-axis suppression.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Caderma (Prednicarbate topical) is defined primarily by the potential for cumulative systemic exposure and a specific physical interaction with certain products, as documented in official regulatory labeling.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Interacting Substance / Condition Official Outcome Description
Pharmacodynamic Other Corticosteroid-Containing Preparations Co-administration may lead to additive systemic effects, increasing the risk of adverse manifestations such as hyperglycemia or HPA-axis suppression.
Product Interference Latex-containing products (e.g., condoms, diaphragms) The excipient, paraffin, can cause damage to the latex material, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the product.

Regulatory Restrictions and Exposure Constraints

Officially documented restrictions relate to minimizing the absorption of the active ingredient. Use with occlusive dressings or application over a large surface area for prolonged periods is noted to significantly increase percutaneous absorption, which raises the risk of systemic exposure.

Contact with all latex-containing products must be avoided due to the officially recognized risk of material degradation. Furthermore, pediatric patients are cited in labeling as being more susceptible to systemic effects from absorption due to their body surface area to mass ratio, which impacts interaction potential.

Mechanism of Action

How Caderma Works

Interaction at Specific Biological Receptors

Caderma's action initiates with an interaction at defined receptor or enzyme systems. The drug binds to and modulates these specific molecular targets, which is fundamental for either initiating or blocking subsequent signaling events at the cellular level and operating within domains involving receptor- or enzyme-mediated signaling.

Modulation of Signaling Cascades

The binding event engages Caderma with well-characterized molecular cascades. By interfering with the early steps of signal transduction, the drug suppresses downstream signaling sequences that propagate the pathway's activation. This action interferes with the effect of excessive mediator activity by modifying the core steps of pathway activation.

Influence on Regulatory Systems

Caderma's activity influences key regulatory systems by modulating activity within the targeted pathways. This mechanism supports an adjustment in processes associated with excessive or dysregulated signaling, contributing to a more regulated state within targeted pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Caderma

Caderma, which contains the active ingredient Prednicarbate, is designated for topical (cutaneous) application. The medication is available in both a 0.1% cream and a 0.1% ointment formulation. The usage protocol is defined by specific instructions concerning application technique, frequency, and duration.


Administration Guidelines

Feature Instruction Summary
Application Technique A thin film of the product is applied and rubbed in gently to the affected skin area. Contact with the eyes must be avoided.
Dosing Frequency The standard regimen is application twice daily, which establishes a set schedule for administration.
Duration of Use Therapy should be discontinued promptly when control is achieved. If a patient shows no improvement within 2 weeks, the condition requires reassessment to confirm the diagnosis.
Specific Restrictions The product must not be used with occlusive dressings (e.g., bandaging or wrapping) unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Application should also be avoided in sensitive areas such as the face, underarms, and groin, unless directed.

Age-Group Use Rules

Age restrictions are based on the formulation: the 0.1% cream may be used for pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, while the 0.1% ointment is for patients 10 years of age or older. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy for use longer than 3 weeks in pediatric patients have not been established.

These instructions define a controlled, standardized method of administration, emphasizing precise application, adherence to frequency, and timely discontinuation of use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

The research into Caderma (Prednicarbate) was studied for its use in conditions like psoriasis and certain forms of eczema, which are characterized by inflammatory or irritative states on the skin. Studies used to evaluate this medicine were often Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), where Prednicarbate was studied for its use against inactive vehicle creams or other similar topical treatments.

Evidence for Use in Adults

Clinical trials in adult patients primarily measured outcomes related to physical discomfort and inflammation. Researchers monitored changes in overall disease status, often assessed by a physician, and also measured specific symptoms such as redness, scaling, and itching (pruritus). The findings describe patterns observed over short treatment intervals, where changes in these signs of inflammation were reported.

Evidence in Pediatric Patients

Research has explored the use of Caderma in pediatric populations, typically children one year of age and older, experiencing conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of atopic dermatitis. Studies focused on short-term symptom changes and were designed to monitor potential systemic effects. This involved conducting tests to assess the HPA-axis (adrenal gland function) to track systemic exposure. Findings from these short-term studies reported that systemic effects were often not noted in the majority of subjects studied.

Research Gaps and Uncertainty

The majority of the existing research structure focused on short-term treatment protocols, typically lasting only a few weeks. As a result, long-term effects are not fully established. There is limited information that describes the evolution of symptom patterns and potential effects of extended use over many months. Furthermore, safety and efficacy data for treatment duration extending beyond 3 weeks are not fully established in pediatric patients, and use in infants under one year of age has not been studied.

Key Studies & References Prednicarbate cream and ointment, U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Caderma (FAQ)

Q: What active ingredient is in Caderma?

A: According to official product information, the only active ingredient in Caderma is prednicarbate. This compound is a synthetic steroid used for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects.


Q: Does Caderma require a prescription?

A: Yes, Caderma (prednicarbate) is classified as a prescription-only compound. It is available only with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.


Q: Is Caderma a high-potency steroid?

A: The active ingredient in Caderma, prednicarbate 0.1% cream and ointment, is classified as a medium-potency topical corticosteroid. This classification is used by healthcare professionals when determining appropriate use.


Q: Can Caderma be used on the face?

A: Official labeling generally advises patients to avoid applying Caderma to sensitive areas, including the face. Regulatory labeling indicates that topical corticosteroids are generally reserved for use on the face only when specifically directed by a healthcare professional, due to the increased sensitivity of skin in this area.


Q: How does Caderma work to relieve my eczema?

A: Caderma is a topical corticosteroid that provides anti-inflammatory and anti-itch (antipruritic) properties. Official information indicates that this class of medicine works by reducing inflammation. It operates by modulating certain signaling events at the cellular level to suppress the body’s inflammatory response in the skin.


Q: How long does it take for Caderma to start working on a patch of dermatitis?

A: Regulatory documents state that use of this product is generally advised to be discontinued when control of the condition is achieved. Furthermore, if a patient experiences no improvement in their condition within two weeks, official product information advises that the condition requires reassessment by a healthcare professional.


Q: I forgot to apply Caderma this morning. Should I apply it now or wait until my next scheduled application?

A: The instructions provided in the patient information suggest that if an application is missed, it should be applied as soon as the patient remembers, or they may skip it and continue with the next scheduled application time. Patients are cautioned against applying double or extra doses to compensate for a missed dose.

How should Caderma be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage Requirements

Caderma (prednicarbate) must be stored strictly according to the official labeling to maintain its stability. The medication requires storage at Controlled Room Temperature, which is between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F), with permitted brief temperature excursions up to 30 C (86 F). The product must not be frozen.

To protect the formulation, the medication must be stored in its original container, and the tube or container must be kept tightly closed when not in use. As a mandatory child-safety rule, Caderma must be kept out of the reach of children.

Official Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Caderma must be disposed of according to local regulatory requirements or an official drug take-back program. The product must not be flushed down a toilet or poured into a drain unless specific authorization is provided by a regulatory authority.

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

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