Prednicarbate

Basics

Prednicarbate belongs to the glucocorticoids and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. It is used for external treatment of inflammatory skin diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis) and to relieve itching.
Der Arzneistoff weist eine ähnliche Wirksamkeit wie Hydrocortison auf und zeichnet sich durch sein günstiges Nutzen-Risiko-Verhältnis aus, da die entzündungshemmende Wirkung kaum mit einer unerwünschten Hautatrophie (Ausdünnung der Haut) einhergeht.

Im Handel wird Prednicarbat in Form von Cremes, Salben und Lösungen vertrieben.

Effect

Pharmacodynamics

Like other glucocorticoids, prednicarbate binds to specific receptors after entering the cell, forming a complex. This enters the nucleus and subsequently causes altered gene expression and greater expression of proteins that inhibit the enzyme phospholipase A2. These proteins, known as lipocortins, can control inflammation in the human body by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid (the precursor of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes).

Pharmacokinetics

After topical application, prednicarbate is converted while still in the skin to the much more potent prednisolone-17-ethylcarbonate. This is degraded to prednisolone, metabolized in the liver and excreted renally.

Contraindications

Prednicarbate should not be administered in the presence of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.

To avoid worsening of the clinical picture, prednicarbate should not be used in:

Vaccine reactions
Bacterial skin diseases
Rosacea
Perioral dermatitis
Acne
Skin ulcers

During pregnancy, large-area application of prednicarbate should be avoided, and during lactation, the active ingredient should not be applied to the breast area.