A flexible system of classifying topical corticosteroid proprietaries is proposed to help the clinician understand the relative antiinflammatory potency of these products. This system has the advantage of indicating not only the relative potency of a specific proprietary preparation but also noting the number of divisions in the classification. It allows for new product development and keeps the clinician informed of the change by the number of divisions being used. The system also has the potential for the classification of relative severity of both local and systemic side effects of corticosteroids.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
CopeCL. The synthetic analogues. In: Adrenal steroids and disease. 2nd ed.Philadelphia: JB Lippincott, 1972: 484–518.
2.
StoughtonRB. Principles of topical steroid treatment in skin diseases. In: TisiRMRanneyHM, eds. Clinical topics in internal medicine. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1982: 163–70.
3.
McKenzieAWStoughtonRB. Method for comparing percutaneous absorption of steroids. Arch Dermatol1962; 86: 608–10.
4.
CornellRCStoughtonRB. The use of topical steroids in psoriasis. Dermatol Clin1984; 2: 397–409.
5.
CornellRCStoughtonRB. Correlation of the vasoconstriction assay and clinical activity in psoriasis. Arch Dermatol1985; 121: 63–7.
6.
HunterJAA. A rational approach to the use of topical steroids. Perspective on therapeutics in northern Europe. Winchester, England: Theracem Publications, Feb 1985: 8.
7.
OlsenEACornellRC. Topical clobetasol-17-proprionate: Review of its clinical efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol1986; 15: 246–55.
8.
FroschPJ. Methods for quantifying the cutaneous adverse effects of topical corticosteroids. In: KligmanAMLeydenJJ, eds. Safety and efficacy of topical drugs and cosmetics. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1982: 119–34.
