Flurandrenolide (Cordran) is a topical steroid medication used to relieve inflammation and itching caused by certain skin conditions in adults and children. It comes in various forms, including as a lotion, cream, and tape. The tape is available under the brand name Cordran Tape and is usually applied every 12 hours. Other forms are applied 2 to 3 times a day. Cordran Tape is considered ultra-high in potency (or very strong), while other forms are medium strength. Side effects can include burning, itching, and irritation at the application site.
Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
Flurandrenolide (Cordran) is a topical steroid. It blocks certain substances in the body that cause inflammation, which can lead to symptoms like swelling, redness, and itching. This helps treat flare-ups in certain skin conditions.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
irritation
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
redness and scaling around the mouth
thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
lightening of normal skin color
lightening of the treated areas of dark skin
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
softening of the skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Treats various skin conditions that cause inflammation and itching
Few side effects if used for short periods of time
Comes in lotion, cream, and tape forms
Cordran Tape protects the medicated area from clothing and drying out
Long-term use can lead to many side effects
Cream and lotion need to be applied up to 3 times a day
Can be used in adults and children
Cordran Tape is not available as a generic
Before applying flurandrenolide (Cordran), make sure the affected areas of skin are clean and dry. Afterwards, wash your hands well to prevent the medication from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are areas being treated.
Shake the bottle of lotion well before using. If using the cream or lotion forms of flurandrenolide (Cordran), only apply the smallest amount needed to cover the affected areas of your skin. Be sure to rub it in gently and completely after applying.
Before using the Cordran Tape, shave or cut any hair in the affected area so that the tape sticks well. And cut a piece that's a little larger than the area you plan to cover. The tape is usually changed out every 12 hours, but if you don't experience irritation, you can leave it on for up to 24 hours.
Don't cover areas where flurandrenolide (Cordran) is applied with bandages or dressings unless instructed by your prescriber. If your child is using the medication in the diaper area, avoid tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Covering medicated areas can affect absorption and raise the risk of side effects.
If your prescriber recommended that you cover the area with bandages or dressings after applying flurandrenolide (Cordran), and you notice redness, itching, pain, or swelling, contact them. These could be signs of a skin infection.
Don't use flurandrenolide (Cordran) on your face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by your prescriber.
Stop using flurandrenolide (Cordran) once your condition is under control. If you don't see improvement within 2 weeks, talk to your prescriber.
If you're using other corticosteroid products, check with your prescriber first before using flurandrenolide (Cordran). Using multiple corticosteroids raises your risk of side effects.
Flurandrenolide (Cordran) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Applying flurandrenolide (Cordran) to large areas of the body | Using flurandrenolide (Cordran) for a long time | Covering the medicated area | Children
It's possible for your body to absorb too much flurandrenolide (Cordran) through the skin in certain situations, like applying the medication to larger areas of skin over longer periods of time and covering the treated area with tight bandages. This can cause changes in your stress hormone levels (e.g., cortisol), affecting many bodily functions. Symptoms can include tiredness, nausea, and muscle aches, which usually go away after stopping the medication, though severe cases may require additional treatment. And very rarely, more serious problems related to having too much medication in the body can include having higher blood sugar levels and, in children, possibly delayed growth. So it's important to apply flurandrenolide (Cordran) only as directed by your prescriber.
Risk factors: Applying flurandrenolide (Cordran) to the folds of the skin or face
Unless instructed by your prescriber, don't apply flurandrenolide (Cordran) to the face. This medication can cause skin thinning and skin damage, even with short-term use. Apply the smallest amount needed for the shortest duration possible.
Flurandrenolide (Cordran) can lower your body's ability to fight infections, including infections on your skin. It's especially important to treat skin infections with an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial medication if you're using flurandrenolide (Cordran). The longer you're using this medication, the higher your risk of this problem. If you notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus where you are applying flurandrenolide (Cordran), stop using it and talk to your prescriber right away.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Skin folds or areas that rub up against each other (for Cordran Tape only)
Wound or lesions that leak fluid (for Cordran Tape only)
Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
Inflammatory skin conditions - cream and ointment only
Plaque psoriasis - lotion and foam only
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Ogawa, R. (2020). Chapter 56 Effectiveness of corticosteroid tapes and plasters for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Textbook on Scar Management: State of the Art Management and Emerging Technologies.
Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2022). Flurandrenolide- flurandrenolide lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
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