What Is Mometasone?

Mometasone is a type of medication that falls under the corticosteroids category. As such, it is widely used to treat inflammation and redness in various areas of the body. While available in different forms, prescription Mometasone is typically provided as a topical cream.

This medication can be applied daily and is shown to elicit positive results for individuals with a diverse range of inflammatory skin conditions.

Mometasone is sold under various brand names such as Elocon, Asmanex, and Nasonex.

How Does Mometasone Work?

This drug works by reducing inflammation as a corticosteroid. Steroid medication like this will stop the body from having an aggressive response to outside factors. For instance, if your skin becomes irritated due to a particular condition or allergic reaction, it will become red and inflamed. This is a natural defense response, but it can lead to swelling, itchiness, and further irritation.

The body reacts like this because chemicals are released when irritation occurs, which triggers a response from the immune system. When applied to the affected area, Mometasone will prevent these chemicals from being released, which calms down the immune system. It doesn’t produce a strong inflammatory response, allowing the skin to heal and become less irritated.

What Is Mometasone Used For?

Mometasone is a topical skin treatment that’s used to treat a wide range of skin conditions and symptoms. Individuals suffering from any of the following will likely be prescribed this medication:

• Eczema (including atopic and seborrheic dermatitis)
• Psoriasis
• Allergic reactions
• Bug bites

It is applied directly to the affected area of the skin and can help tackle these symptoms:

• Inflammation/redness
• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Irritated skin

What Are the Side Effects of Mometasone?

Topical Mometasone will usually present fewer side effects than other forms of this drug. However, you may still encounter some symptoms associated with using this medication daily.

Most of the side effects are mild and include:

• Skin irritation
• A burning sensation on the skin
• Mild itchiness
• A slight increase in redness

These side effects are common when you begin applying Mometasone for the first time and will subside with time. You’re also likely to see these side effects if you do not apply the topical cream correctly, which is why it is critical to follow all instructions provided by your doctor.

In extreme circumstances, you could experience severe side effects of Mometasone. Be aware that these are rare, though you should consult a doctor the moment you notice any of the following:

• Excessive swelling
• Blurred vision
• Blisters
• Severe burning
• Extreme itching
• Skin thinning
• Easy bruising

It’s not normal to see these severe side effects and you should stop taking Mometasone right away. Talk to your doctor and they will explain what to do, helping you get relief from any bad symptoms.

Similarly, if you continue to experience the mild side effects and they get progressively worse, speak to your doctor and explain the situation. They’ll either prescribe a new dose of Mometasone or find a suitable alternative.

How to Take Mometasone?

Mometasone in prescription form is given as a topical cream or ointment. Therefore, it should only be applied to the skin. Do not ingest Mometasone or apply it inside your mouth.

Your doctor will explain how often to use this topical cream when you obtain a prescription. Dosages can vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of your skin condition. Follow the doctor’s orders and read the informational sheet that comes with the medication. This will explain how much of the cream to use with each dose, as well as what you should avoid doing before or after applying.

When using Mometasone, you should only apply it to the affected skin. Avoid getting it on healthy skin as it is likely to cause mild reactions that can lead to side effects. You should ensure that a thin layer is applied evenly over the inflamed area of skin, and then leave it.

Avoid covering your skin with clothes until the cream has disappeared into your skin. Do not bandage the area or apply other treatments unless your doctor tells you to.

Mometasone is a moderator corticosteroid and you should see improvements within 2 weeks of regular use. Keep using it as instructed by your doctor, even if your skin becomes less inflamed. If no improvements are seen after 2 weeks – or your skin gets worse – talk to your doctor and they will explain the next steps. You may need to apply more each day or stop using Mometasone and seek out different treatments instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mometasone

What Is the Most Common Side Effect of Mometasone?

The most common side effect of topical Mometasone is mild skin irritation which might include burning, itching, and a slightly increased redness.

These side effects are usually mild and should go away on their own. However, if they persist or worsen, contact your doctor for advice.

Other common side effects may include mild rash, acne, sensitization, and dryness of the skin.

In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur such as thinning or easy bruising of the skin, blurred vision, or severe burning sensation. If any of these occur while taking Mometasone topical, seek immediate medical attention.

What to Avoid While Taking Mometasone?

When taking Mometasone avoid the following:

• Other topical medications -Other topical medications, especially other corticosteroids, should be avoided while taking Mometasone.
• Excessive sun exposure – Excessive sun exposure should be avoided as Mometasone can make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays.
• Dressing the area – Do not cover the area treated with Mometasone with bandages or other dressings unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
• Applying it on open wounds or broken skin – Do not apply Mometasone to open wounds, broken skin, or other areas where the skin is abnormal.
• Using for too long – Prolonged use of Mometasone can cause serious side effects like easy bruising or thinning of the skin. Therefore, it should only be used as directed by your doctor and for a short period of time.

The list above is not exhaustive and you should always follow your doctor’s instructions while taking Mometasone. If any side effects, including those mentioned above, occur while taking this medication contact your doctor immediately.

How Long Does It Take for Mometasone to Work?

While the exact amount of time it takes for Mometasone to work depends on the person, most people generally start seeing improvements within a few days to a week.

Note that again the exact amount of time needed for Mometasone to be effective can vary depending on the person and the severity of their skin condition.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Mometasone, as this will ensure that you achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time. This includes applying it correctly and consistently every day as instructed.

What Is the Typical Dosage for Mometasone?

The dosage will depend on the form and strength of the Mometasone as well as the condition being treated.

Your doctor will discuss the correct dosage with you and adjust it if necessary. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting them first.

Can You Buy Mometasone Over-The-Counter (OTC)?

No, you can not buy Mometasone over-the-counter as it is a prescription medication. You must obtain the appropriate prescription from a doctor or healthcare provider in order to get this drug.

Can You Get a Mometasone Prescription Online From DrHouse?

Yes, the physicians at DrHouse are able to provide prescriptions for Mometasone online if it is determined to be an appropriate treatment for your condition.

Can I Get a Refill for Mometasone From DrHouse?

Yes, you can get a refill for Mometasone from DrHouse. To refill your Mometasone prescription, start a virtual visit with one of our healthcare providers. During the visit, they will assess your condition and determine if a refill is required.

If they deem it to be an appropriate treatment option for you, they will issue an online prescription which can then be filled at any pharmacy of your choice.

For more detailed information about mometasone, you can refer to the following sources:

• Nasonex prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Mometasone ointment, Drugs.com.
• Mometasone topical, MedlinePlus.

The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC