Ala-Quin

Generic Name: clioquinol and hydrocortisone topical (KLYE oh KWIN ol and HYE droe KOR ti sone TOP ik al)

Brand Names: Ala-Quin

What is clioquinol and hydrocortisone?

Clioquinol topical fights bacteria and prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

The combination of clioquinol and hydrocortisone is used to treat skin redness and itching caused by skin infections, eczema, or other skin conditions.

Clioquinol and hydrocortisone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about clioquinol and hydrocortisone?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not cover the wound with a bandage dressing, unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating diaper rash on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Covering the skin where this medicine has been applied can cause your body to absorb the steroid contained in the medication. Absorption of a steroid can cause unwanted side effects, especially in children. Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during the first 7 days of treatment with clioquinol and hydrocortisone.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using clioquinol and hydrocortisone?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether clioquinol and hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you use clioquinol and hydrocortisone on a child, do not use the medication for longer than the child's doctor has prescribed.

How should I use clioquinol and hydrocortisone?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Before you apply clioquinol and hydrocortisone, use soap and water to wash the skin area you plan to treat.

Apply a thin layer of medication to the skin and rub it in gently.

Do not cover the wound with a bandage dressing, unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating diaper rash on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Covering the skin where this medicine has been applied can cause your body to absorb the steroid contained in the medication. Absorption of a steroid can cause unwanted side effects, especially in children. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you apply this medication.

If you need to remove the medicine, wash it off with water and mild soap.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during the first 7 days of treatment with clioquinol and hydrocortisone.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.

An overdose of clioquinol and hydrocortisone applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using clioquinol and hydrocortisone?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not give the medicine to another person, even if you think they have the same skin condition you have. Do not use this medication for any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Clioquinol and hydrocortisone may stain skin, clothing, and other fabrics it comes in contact with. Take care not to get this medicine on your clothes, carpet, or bed linens.

Clioquinol and hydrocortisone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

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  mild stinging or burning where the medicine is applied.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect clioquinol and hydrocortisone?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied clioquinol and hydrocortisone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Ala-Quin resources

• Ala-Quin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Ala-Quin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Ala-Quin Drug Interactions
• Ala-Quin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Ala-Quin - Add your own review/rating

• Ala-Quin Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Ala-Quin with other medications

• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Pruritus

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about clioquinol and hydrocortisone.

See also: Ala-Quin side effects (in more detail)