Fluocinonide

Definition

A synthetic glucocorticoid and derivative of fluocinolone acetonide with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic activities. Fluocinonide binds the glucocorticoid receptor, followed by translocation of the ligand-receptor complex to the nucleus and transcription activation of genes containing glucocorticoid-responsive elements. Lipocortin-1 is one factor induced by fluocinonide that interacts and inhibits cytosolic phospholipase 2 alpha, thereby preventing phospholipase translocation to the perinuclear membrane and subsequent release and conversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins. In addition, MAPK phosphatase 1 is induced, thereby preventing the triggering of the MAPK cascade resulting in pro-inflammatory effects via Jun N-terminal kinase and c-Jun. Finally, fluocinonide binds to and inhibits nuclear factor kappa-B directly, resulting in inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 transcription and subsequent prostaglandin synthesis.

Also known as (6alpha,11beta,16alpha)-21-(Acetyloxy)-6,9-difluoro-11-hydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, FLUOCINONIDE, Lidex, Vanos — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC C05AA11 per RXNORM
• ATC D07AC08 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C29056 per NCIT
• SCTID 18125000 per RXNORM
• SCTID 396060009 per RXNORM
• UNII 2W4A77YPAN per RXNORM

Indications