[Systemic effect of diflucortolone valerate after dermal application (author's transl)]

The systemic effect of 6alpha,9-difluor-11beta-hydroxy-16alpha-methyl-21-valeryloxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (diflucortolone valerate, Nerisona) 0.1% as an ointment and fatty ointment was investigated in two studies. The parameters used were the plasma 11-OHCS values and the urinary 17-OHCS and 17-KS values, respectively. Suppression of the plasma cortisol values was observed after topical application of both diflucortolone valerate and betamethasone-17-valerate to healthy subjects under extreme conditions of whole-body occlusion. However, it was still possible to stimulate the adrenal cortex with ACTH. No reduction of the 17-OHCS of 17-KS values in the 24-h urine was observed during open, large-surface treatment of patients with skin diseases.