Mometasone topical is a potent steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Mometasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or itching.

Mometasone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Mometasone comes as a cream, ointment, and lotion for use on the skin. It usually is applied once a day. Apply it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use mometasone exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or use it to treat other skin conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Your skin condition should improve during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time.

To use mometasone cream or ointment, apply a small amount of cream or ointment to cover the affected area of skin with a thin film.

To apply the lotion, place a few drops on the affected areas and massage lightly until it disappears.

This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let mometasone topical get into your eyes or mouth and do not swallow it. Avoid use on the face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor.

Do not apply other skin preparations on the treated area without talking with your doctor.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. Such use may increase side effects.

Do not use on a child's diaper area unless your doctor tells you that you should; do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Such use may increase side effects.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using mometasone topical, unless you are using the medicine on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply mometasone topical over a large area of skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use mometasone topical if you are allergic to mometasone.

Do not use mometasone topical to treat diaper rash.

Do not use this medicine on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects. Mometasone topical may not be safe to use on a child for longer than 3 weeks.

Mometasone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply mometasone topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of mometasone topical is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze it.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Rinse with water if mometasone topical gets in your eyes.

Avoid applying mometasone topical to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not use mometasone topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

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

Mometasone topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin irritation;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Mometasone topical can affect growth in children and should not be used long-term.

Common side effects of mometasone topical may include:

• red or pus-filled bumps on your skin;

• acne; or

• mild itching, tingling, or burning.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• steroid medicine you take by mouth; or

• steroid medicine you apply to your skin or scalp.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mometasone topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.