Topical corticosteroids have been ranked in terms of potency into four groups consisting of seven classes. Class I topical corticosteroids are the most potent and Class VII are the least potent. Efficacy and side-effects are greatest with the Class I ultra-high-potency preparations which should only be used for limited time periods (2-3 weeks)
----ULTRA HIGH POTENCY
Class I
Clobetasol propionate Cream, 0.05%
------HIGH POTENCY
1) Class II
Amcinonide Ointment, 0.1%
Betamethasone dipropionate Ointment, 0.05%
Desoximetasone Cream or ointment, 0.025%
Fluocinonide Cream, ointment or gel, 0.05%
Halcinonide Cream, 0.1%
2) Class III
Betamethasone dipropionate Cream, 0.05%
Betamethasone valerate Ointment, 0.1%
Triamcinolone acetonide Ointment, 0.1%
----- MODERATE POTENCY
1) Class IV
Desoximetasone Cream, 0.05%
Fluocinolone acetonide Ointment, 0.025%
FludroxycortideOintment, 0.05%
Hydrocortisone valerate Ointment, 0.2%
Triamcinolone acetonide Cream, 0.1%
2) Class V
Betamethasone dipropionate Lotion, 0.02%
Betamethasone valerate Cream, 0.1%
Fluocinolone acetonide Cream, 0.025%
FludroxycortideCream, 0.05%
Hydrocortisone butyrate Cream, 0.1%
Hydrocortisone valerate Cream, 0.2%
Triamcinolone acetonide Lotion, 0.1%
------------LOW POTENCY
1) Class VI
Betamethasone valerate Lotion, 0.05%
Desonide Cream, 0.05%
Fluocinolone acetonide Solution, 0.01%
2) Class VII
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate Cream, 0.1%
Hydrocortisone acetate Cream, 1%
Methylprednisolone acetate Cream, 0.25%
