Prednicarbate activity and benefit/risk ratio in relation to other topical glucocorticoids

Nonhalogenated double esters of prednisolone or hydrocortisone applied topically to the skin have a low atrophogenic potential. However, activity and benefit/risk ratio and therefore the superiority over conventional topical glucocorticoids are not well defined.

The activities of cream preparations with prednicarbate (0.025% to 0.25%), hydrocortisone aceponate, and hydrocortisone buteprate (0.1%) are compared to the effects of betamethasone 17-valerate (0.1%), hydrocortisone (1%), and two drug-free vehicles in 60 healthy volunteers. Test models are the skin blanching assay (occluded and nonoccluded mode), ultraviolet-induced erythema, and an irritant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) dermatitis. The benefit/risk ratio is derived from the activity in the former models and the reduction of skin thickness as determined previously.

Prednicarbate activity increases in a dose-dependent manner. Prednicarbate, 0.25%, and the hydrocortisone double esters appear to be equipotent to betamethasone 17-valerate in the skin blanching test and the ultraviolet-erythema test, but superior to hydrocortisone and the vehicles. Prednicarbate and its vehicle, however, do not reverse irritant dermatitis. The benefit/risk ratios of prednicarbate and hydrocortisone aceponate exceed those with betamethasone 17-valerate.

Prednicarbate and hydrocortisone aceponate are intermediate potent glucocorticoids that are superior to betamethasone 17-valerate because of the improved benefit/risk ratio. Patients with severe atopic dermatitis and those who relapse frequently should profit from the treatment with these newer glucocorticoids.