Metacortil Lite

Composition of Metacortil Lite

Metacortil Lite contains Mometasone (0.1%w/w) + Hydroquinone (2%w/w) + Tretinoin (0.025%w/w). It belongs to the Glucocorticoid class of medicines.

Uses of Metacortil Lite

Metacortil-Lite Cream is used in the treatment of melasma.

Key benefits

• Reduces inflammation
• alleviates allergic reactions
• suppresses immune response
• treats autoimmune disorders

How Metacortil Lite works

Metacortil-Lite Cream is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone, Mometasone and Tretinoin, which treats melasma (dark spots on skin). Hydroquinone is a skin lightening medicine. It reduces the amount of a skin pigment (melanin) that causes darkening of skin. This effect is reversible. Mometasone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen and itchy. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin to renew itself more quickly.

How to take Metacortil Lite

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can suppress the body's own steroid production when it is used for a long time over large areas, especially in children. It is unlikely from skin use; swallowing the preparation may cause stomach upset. It can cause severe irritation when far too much cream is applied; an oral retinoid taken in excess can cause headache, vomiting and liver injury. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Metacortil Lite

Most side effects of Metacortil Lite are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Application site reactions (burning
• irritation
• itching and redness)

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Metacortil Lite

Warnings and precautions

Use with caution in patients with infections, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders. Long-term use may lead to adrenal suppression.

Do not take Metacortil Lite if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections. Not for use in or around the eyes. Not for use on broken or infected skin unless prescribed. Oral retinoids are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and in anyone who might become pregnant without a pregnancy prevention programme. Topical retinoids are avoided in pregnancy.

Interactions with other medicines

May interact with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and certain vaccines.

How to store Metacortil Lite

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Expert advice for Metacortil Lite

Apply a thin layer — a fingertip's worth covers an area about the size of two adult palms. Use a plain moisturiser generously alongside it; that is what keeps eczema away between flares. Ask your doctor for a written plan of how long to use it and when to step down. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Wash your hands after use. Apply retinoids at night to clean, dry skin, and moisturise afterwards. Give it at least eight to twelve weeks before judging whether it works. Do not pick or squeeze spots — that is what leaves scars.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Therapeutic class:

Corticosteroid

Drug class:

Glucocorticoid