Definition

A topical cream containing the synthetic glucocorticoid fluocinonide, with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic activities. Upon administration of the fluocinonide cream to the affected area(s), fluocinonide binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, followed by translocation of the ligand-receptor complex to the nucleus and transcription activation of genes containing glucocorticoid-responsive elements (GREs), which increases the expression of specific target genes, such as lipocortin-1 (annexin A1). The induction of lipocortin-1 expression by fluocinonide leads to an increased interaction and inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase 2 alpha, thereby preventing phospholipase translocation to the perinuclear membrane and subsequent release and conversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This may relieve symptoms associated with skin inflammation.