The FDA has approved Enstilar (Leo), an aerosol foam formulation of the synthetic vitamin D₃ analog calcipotriene and the high-potency corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate, for topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Topical ointment and suspension formulations of the same combination have been available for many years.

Since the last Medical Letter review of generic drugs (Volume 28, page 1, 1986), the prediction that generic drugs newly approved in the USA under more relaxed federal regulations will probably be as reliable as brand-name drugs has generally been accurate. Few well-documented generic product failures have been reported. Recently, however, the equivalence of generic topical corticosteroids has been questioned.

The FDA has approved a new spray formulation of the super-high-potency corticosteroid clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Clobex - Galderma) for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Clobetasol propionate is also available as a cream, ointment, gel, solution, foam, lotion and shampoo.

Two new topical corticosteroids - fluticasone (Cutivate - Glaxo), a mediumpotency product, and halobetasol propionate (Ultravate - Westwood-Squibb), a superhigh- potency drug- were recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration.

View the Comparison Table: Some Topical Corticosteroids

Atopic dermatitis (AD; also known as eczema) is frequently associated with other atopic disorders such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergy. It commonly presents in infancy and early childhood and has a relapsing course, often improving by adolescence, but sometimes persisting into (or first appearing in) adulthood or even old age.