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Compare Vanos vs. Cloderm

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluocinonide (Vanos) and clocortolone (Cloderm) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin inflammation and irritation, but they have some key differences. Fluocinonide is available in two strengths (0.05% and 0.1%) and comes in various forms like cream, ointment, gel, and topical solution, while clocortolone is only available as a cream. Fluocinonide is a stronger steroid compared to clocortolone, which is a medium-strength steroid. This means fluocinonide might be more effective for severe symptoms, but it also has more restrictions, such as not being suitable for use on the face, underarms, or groin, especially in its higher strength. Clocortolone, on the other hand, is easier to apply but needs to be used more frequently (three times a day) and might not be strong enough for severe conditions. Both medications should be used for the shortest time possible to avoid side effects like skin thinning and hormonal changes.

  • Fluocinonide (Vanos)
    Clocortolone (Cloderm)
  • Fluocinonide (Vanos)
    Clocortolone (Cloderm)

  • Summary of Vanos vs. Cloderm

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Fluocinonide (Vanos) is a strong topical steroid that treats skin inflammation and irritation, but it's not meant for long-term use. The medication comes in many different forms, such as a cream, ointment, gel, and topical solution.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical corticosteroid (or steroid) that's used to treat many types of skin problems that cause itchiness and inflammation (swelling and redness). This medication comes as a cream that's applied to the skin three times per day. Side effects aren't common but can include a burning sensation, dry skin, and skin irritation where the cream is applied.

  • Indications of Vanos vs. Cloderm

    Indications for
    •Skin inflammation disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis
    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Vanos vs. Cloderm

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Treats a variety of skin conditions
    •Has few side effects when used for short periods of time
    •Available as a cream, gel, ointment, and topical solution
    •Comes in two different strengths, providing some flexibility based on your symptoms
    Cons
    •Not meant for long-term use
    •Might have to apply it up to 4 times a day
    •The higher strength (0.1%) shouldn't be used in children under 12 years old.
    •Not the best option for treating the face, underarms, or groin (higher strength can't be used for these areas at all)
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •A cream that's easy to apply
    •Treats many different skin conditions
    •Safe to use short term for children
    •Few side effects
    Cons
    •Need to apply three times daily, which is more often than similar steroid medications
    •Risk of skin thinning with long-term use
    •Might not work well for severe skin conditions

  • Common Side Effects of Vanos vs. Cloderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (4%)
    •Burning where fluocinonide (Vanos) was applied (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Vanos vs. Cloderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •CHANGE IN HORMONES
    •SKIN REACTIONS
    •SKIN INFECTIONS
    •ALLERGIC REACTIONS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Altered stress hormone levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Vanos vs. Cloderm

    Learn more about Fluocinonide
    Learn more about Clocortolone

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