Amcinonide Is a High-Potency Topical Corticosteroid Used to Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions Like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis

If your doctor has prescribed Amcinonide — or you've seen it mentioned as a treatment option — you probably have questions. What exactly is it? How do you use it? Is it safe? This guide covers everything you need to know about Amcinonide in 2026, written in plain language.

What Is Amcinonide?

Amcinonide is a synthetic fluorinated topical corticosteroid — a type of anti-inflammatory cream, ointment, or lotion that you apply directly to the skin. It's classified as a high-potency (Class II) corticosteroid in ointment form and upper-mid potency (Class III) in cream form, making it stronger than commonly used steroids like Hydrocortisone or Triamcinolone.

Key facts:

• Generic name: Amcinonide
• Former brand name: Cyclocort (discontinued)
• Drug class: Topical corticosteroid
• Manufacturers: Taro Pharmaceuticals and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (Sandoz division)
• Controlled substance: No — Amcinonide is not a controlled substance
• Available as generic: Yes

The brand-name version, Cyclocort, was originally made by Lederle Laboratories but has been discontinued. Today, only generic versions are available.

What Is Amcinonide Used For?

Amcinonide is FDA-approved to treat several inflammatory skin conditions:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema) — The most common use. Amcinonide reduces the itching, redness, and inflammation of moderate-to-severe eczema.
• Allergic contact dermatitis — Skin reactions caused by contact with allergens like poison ivy, nickel, or certain chemicals.
• Psoriasis (plaque-type) — Reduces the thick, scaly plaques of psoriasis, particularly on the body and limbs.
• Other corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses — A broad category that includes various inflammatory skin conditions that respond to topical steroids.

Doctors also sometimes prescribe Amcinonide off-label for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, discoid lupus, and severe insect bite reactions.

Amcinonide is typically prescribed when milder topical steroids haven't provided adequate relief. For more on how Amcinonide works in your body, see our detailed mechanism guide.

How Is Amcinonide Taken?

Amcinonide comes in three formulations, all at 0.1% strength:

• Cream — The most commonly prescribed form. Good for moist or weeping skin conditions.
• Ointment — Higher potency, better for dry, thick, or scaly skin. Harder to find in pharmacies.
• Lotion — Best for hairy areas like the scalp.

Dosage Instructions

The typical dosage for Amcinonide:

• Cream and ointment: Apply a thin film to the affected area 2-3 times daily
• Lotion: Apply to the affected area twice daily

Application Tips

1. Wash your hands before and after applying
2. Apply a thin layer only to the affected skin — don't slather it on
3. Rub it in gently
4. Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the treated area unless your doctor tells you to
5. Do not apply to the face, groin, or underarms unless specifically directed
6. For external use only — never take it by mouth

Most treatment courses last 2-4 weeks. Your doctor will tell you exactly how long to use it and when to follow up.

Who Should Not Use Amcinonide?

Amcinonide is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use it if you have:

• An allergy to Amcinonide or any ingredient in the formulation
• Active skin infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) without appropriate anti-infective treatment — steroids can make infections worse
• Rosacea — Topical steroids can worsen rosacea
• Perioral dermatitis — A rash around the mouth that steroids can aggravate
• Acne vulgaris — Amcinonide is not a treatment for acne and can make it worse

Special caution is needed for:

• Children — They absorb more medication through their skin and are at higher risk for systemic side effects, including growth suppression
• Pregnant women — Category C; use only if the benefit justifies the risk
• Breastfeeding women — Not recommended while breastfeeding
• Elderly patients — Thinner skin increases the risk of skin atrophy

For a detailed look at potential side effects, read our guide on Amcinonide side effects and when to call your doctor.

How Much Does Amcinonide Cost?

Amcinonide pricing varies widely depending on the formulation and where you fill your prescription:

• Generic cream 0.1% (60g tube): $280-$320 cash price at most pharmacies
• With discount coupons: As low as $109-$397 for a 60g tube (GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver offer the best discounts)
• Ointment formulation: Significantly more expensive, ranging from $83 to $2,400+ depending on quantity and pharmacy

Most insurance plans cover generic Amcinonide cream with a standard formulary copay. Some plans may require step therapy — meaning you need to try a lower-potency steroid first before they'll cover Amcinonide. Prior authorization is generally not required for the generic.

There are no manufacturer savings programs since the brand (Cyclocort) is discontinued. However, discount cards and patient assistance programs can help significantly. For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide to saving money on Amcinonide.

Final Thoughts

Amcinonide is a powerful topical corticosteroid that works well for moderate-to-severe inflammatory skin conditions when milder options haven't done the job. It's available as a generic in cream, ointment, and lotion forms, though finding it in stock can sometimes be a challenge due to limited manufacturers.

If you've been prescribed Amcinonide and need help locating it, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy with it in stock near you. And if cost is a concern, don't fill your prescription without checking for discount coupons first — they can save you over 50% on the cash price.