ELICA 0.1% OINTMENT 30G

Indications

Approved Uses

Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (e.g., atopic dermatitis and psoriasis).

Off-Label Uses

Off-label uses may include localized vitiligo, alopecia areata, lichen planus (cutaneous), and prurigo nodularis; phimosis is more commonly treated off-label with other topical steroids (e.g., betamethasone) rather than being a typical mometasone-specific use.

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis): apply a thin film to affected areas once daily; occlusion is generally not recommended and should be used only if specifically directed for resistant lesions.

Initial Dose

Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.

Maintenance Dose

After initial improvement, the frequency of application should be decreased gradually as directed by a physician.

Maximum Dose

Apply a thin layer once daily; use the lowest amount for the shortest duration-no fixed gram/week maximum is universally established for this product; reassess if not improved within ~2 weeks and avoid prolonged continuous use, especially on face/intertriginous areas.

Children's Dosage

Approved for children 2 years of age and older. Apply a thin film to the affected area once daily. Use should be limited to the least amount effective and for the shortest possible duration. Safety and efficacy for use longer than 3 weeks in children have not been established.

Dose Adjustment Notes

No renal/hepatic dose adjustment is routinely required due to low systemic absorption when used appropriately; discontinue/taper when control is achieved and reassess if no improvement within ~2 weeks; avoid prolonged use, large surface areas, or occlusion to reduce risk of HPA-axis suppression.

How to Take

For topical use only: apply a thin film to affected skin once daily and rub in gently; wash hands before and after (unless treating hands); avoid eyes and mucous membranes; avoid use on face, groin, or axillae unless directed; do not use occlusive dressings/bandages unless prescribed; use the smallest amount for the shortest duration.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Common local effects: burning/stinging/tingling, pruritus, irritation, dryness, erythema, folliculitis/acneiform eruption; with prolonged or inappropriate use: skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation, secondary infection.

Side Effect Frequency

Common (≥1%): burning/stinging, pruritus, irritation/dryness; Uncommon (<1%): folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, skin atrophy/striae/telangiectasia (risk increases with prolonged use/occlusion); Rare: HPA-axis suppression/Cushingoid features, hyperglycemia, secondary infection; ocular effects (glaucoma/cataract) are rare and mainly associated with periocular use or prolonged exposure.

Safety & Warnings

Warnings & Precautions

Avoid eyes/mucosa; avoid prolonged use on face and use on groin/axillae only if directed; do not use under occlusion unless prescribed; do not apply to infected lesions without appropriate antimicrobial therapy; use lowest effective amount/shortest duration and monitor for atrophy and HPA-axis suppression (higher risk in children and with large areas).

Age Restriction

Not recommended for children under 2 years (unless specifically directed by a specialist).

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

No clinically significant interactions are expected with normal topical use; additive systemic corticosteroid effects may occur with other steroids, and systemic exposure may increase with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors only if absorption is substantial; occlusive dressings increase absorption (a key practical interaction).

Interaction Severity

Clinically significant drug interactions are uncommon; caution with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir/cobicistat, ketoconazole/itraconazole) if used extensively/under occlusion due to potential increased systemic corticosteroid effects; additive effects may occur with concurrent topical/systemic corticosteroids or occlusive dressings.

Food Interaction

None (not applicable for topical administration).

Special Populations

Children

Approved for children 2 years of age and older. Apply a thin film to the affected area once daily. Use should be limited to the least amount effective and for the shortest possible duration. Safety and efficacy for use longer than 3 weeks in children have not been established.

Kidney Impairment

No adjustment needed

Storage & Patient Advice

Overdose

Acute topical overdose is unlikely, but excessive/prolonged use or use under occlusion/large areas can cause local atrophy and systemic effects (HPA-axis suppression/Cushingoid features); management is to stop or taper as appropriate and treat symptomatically; accidental ingestion is usually low risk but warrants medical assessment if significant.

Patient Counseling

Apply a thin layer to affected area once daily as prescribed; wash hands after use; avoid eyes/mucosa and do not use on face, groin, or axillae unless directed; do not use occlusive dressings unless instructed; use for the shortest duration-stop and seek review if no improvement in ~2 weeks or if infection/irritation occurs; do not share and keep out of reach of children.

Monitoring Requirements

Monitor clinical response and local adverse effects (atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, irritation, secondary infection); if prolonged use, large surface area, occlusion, or pediatric use: consider periodic evaluation for HPA-axis suppression; advise review if visual symptoms occur (rare risk of glaucoma/cataract with periocular exposure).

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Synthetic glucocorticoid that binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors to alter gene transcription, inducing lipocortins that inhibit phospholipase A2 and reducing prostaglandin/leukotriene production, producing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects.

Onset of Action

Within hours to 1 day for reduction in itching/redness; noticeable improvement typically within 1-3 days.

Duration of Effect

Approximately 24 hours (supports once-daily application).

Bioavailability

Systemic absorption is low; about 0.4% of the applied dose is absorbed through intact skin without occlusion (can increase with inflammation, large surface area, prolonged use, or occlusion).

Excretion

Excreted mainly in bile/feces with a minor renal component (after hepatic metabolism of absorbed drug).

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Ointment, Cream, Lotion, Solution (scalp), Nasal spray (separate indication)

Composition per Dose

Each gram of ointment: 1 mg mometasone furoate (0.1%)

Generic Availability

Yes

OTC Alternatives

Hydrocortisone 1% cream/ointment (OTC) for mild inflammatory dermatoses; consider hydrocortisone 0.5% as an even milder OTC option where available.

Skin Condition

Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis

Steroid Potency

Potent

Reviewed by Al Mujtama Pharmacy Medical Review Team. Last reviewed 25-06-2026