Fluocinolone

The Basics

What is Fluocinolone?

Used to treat skin symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling.

Brand names for Fluocinolone

Synalar

How Fluocinolone is classified

Corticosteroids – Topical, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Fluocinolone During Pregnancy

Fluocinolone pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Fluocinolone while pregnant

N/A

Taking Fluocinolone While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Fluocinolone?

Fluocinolone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area. Maternal use of an ear drop or eye insert that contains fluocinolone presents negligible risk for the nursing infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Fluocinolone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only the lower potency corticosteroids should be used on the nipple or areola where the infant could directly ingest the drugs from the skin. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area. Maternal use of an ear drop or eye insert that contains fluocinolone presents negligible risk for the nursing infant.

Possible effects of Fluocinolone on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Fluocinolone

(Topical) Hydrocortisone, Topical.