Topical mometasone. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in the treatment of dermatological disorders.

Mometasone, a synthetic 16 alpha-methyl analogue of beclomethasone, is classified as a 'potent' glucocorticoid for dermatological use. It is available as 0.1% cream, ointment and lotion formulations for the treatment of patients with inflammatory glucocorticoid-responsive dermatoses. In patients with atopic dermatitis, the effect of mometasone 0.1% applied once daily over 2 to 3 weeks were similar to those of other glucocorticoids of similar potency, such as betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% twice daily and methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% once daily. Mometasone 0.1% was significantly superior to twice-daily application of less potent glucocorticoids such as clobetasone 0.05%, hydrocortisone 1.0%, hydrocortisone butyrate and hydrocortisone valerate 0.2%. In patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis, mometasone 0.1% was more effective than ketoconazole 2.0% and hydrocortisone 1.0% in trials lasting 4 or 6 weeks. In the management of scalp psoriasis and psoriasis vulgaris, mometasone 0.1% applied once daily for 2 to 8 weeks was generally more effective than other glucocorticoids of similar or weaker potency such as betamethasone valerate 0.1%, fluocinolone acetonide 0.025%, fluticasone propionate 0.005%, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% and hydrocortisone 1.0% and as effective as diflucortolone valerate 0.1%. Alternate day application of mometasone 0.1% for 2 weeks was as effective as once-daily application in maintaining symptom control in a small number of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Although mometasone demonstrates greater anti-inflammatory activity and a longer duration of action than betamethasone, it has low potential to cause adverse systemic effects such as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, its atrophogenic potential is low and no greater than that of other glucocorticoids in its class, such as betamethasone valerate. Transient, mild to moderate, local adverse effects such as burning, stinging, folliculitis, dryness, acneiform eruptions and signs of skin atrophy have been reported with mometasone. Mometasone has shown a low risk of primary sensitisation and cross-reactions in preliminary patch test studies. Mometasone is a well tolerated topical glucocorticoid effective in the management of patients with atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis and psoriasis vulgaris. In addition to its low potential for causing primary sensitisation and cross-reactions with other topical glucocorticoids, mometasone offers the convenience of once-daily administration.