Mometasone

Mometasone furoate belongs to a class of medications known as medium potency synthetic corticosteroids. As this type of medication, mometasone furoate has antiinflammatory and vasoconstrictive effects when used in places like the skin. Mometasone can also reduce symptoms of itching at times. While mometasone furoate’s mechanism of action is not fully understood, it may be related to activating proteins known as lipocortins which inhibit phospholipase A2, eventually blocking the production of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins. As Elocon, mometasone is used to reduce itching and inflammation in dermatoses that are thought to be responsive to corticosteroids. As Nasonex nasal spray, mometasone is used in the treatment of rhinitis caused by seasonal allergies. Mometasone is also active in the medication Asmanex used in the management of asthma.

Before using mometasone furoate, it is important to discuss how the medication works with one’s medical provider and pharmacist as it can cause side effects. Side effects that may result from mometasone furoate cream use include skin atrophy, irritation, burning and redness. When used as mometasone nasal spray, side effects include bloody nose, headaches, cough and viral infections. Systemic effects as they relate to impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are always a consideration with steroid medications. Mometasone furoate and alcohol should not be used together. Anyone who has a known hypersensitivity to mometasone furoate should not use the medication.

Mometasone 0.1% cream is affordable, costing under $12 for one 15 gram tube at a number of pharmacies in the United States. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of mometasone furoate prescriptions. Additionally, one might be able to find Elocon coupons, Nasonex coupons, or other coupons for branded forms of mometasone furoate online or through the manufacturer. When supplied as Elocon cream 0.1%, the ointment is available in 15 gram and 45 gram tubes.

Mometasone furoate itself is a white powder that dissolves poorly in water. It is important to note that mometasone furoate cream can cause systemic effects when applied topically. In the body, mometasone is broken down into different metabolites which are largely undetectable in the plasma. When administered intravenously, mometasone furoate demonstrates a half life of under six hours and excretion is primarily through the bile. When using mometasone cream, many medical providers will prescribe Elocon cream to be applied once daily to affected areas. Following intravenous administration, the effective plasma elimination half-life of mometasone furoate is 5.8 hours. Any absorbed drug is excreted as metabolites mostly via the bile, and to a limited extent, into the urine.

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Given the evolving nature of medicine and science, this information might not be accurate and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis / treatment recommendations. Please consult a licensed medical provider if you have additional questions.