Classification of topical corticosteroids

 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%