Mometasone Furoate Combination

By Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH

What is mometasone furoate combination?

Mometasone furoate combination (brand names: Mometamax®, Posatex®, Elocon®) is a potent topical corticosteroid used for treating itchy and inflammatory skin conditions that are also associated with bacterial or yeast infections of the skin. It is labeled for use in the ear of dogs.

Depending on the product and how it is used, its use in cats, dogs, or other mammals to treat inflammatory skin conditions may be ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.

How is mometasone furoate combination given?

Mometasone furoate combination is applied topically to the skin on the affected area. If necessary, trim the hair to allow the medication to reach the lesion. Shake the tube prior to use. Do not allow your pet to lick or chew the treated area for at least 30 minutes after application. Wear gloves when applying this medication and wash hands after application. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth.

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours, and while effects may not be visibly obvious, gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.

Are there any potential side effects?

Side effects are uncommon but may include temporary inflammation at the application site. Serious side effects include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden hearing loss, worsening ear pain, head tilt, incoordination, mouth sores, worsening lesions, increased thirst, more frequent urination, skin thinning/fragile skin, worsening hair loss, skin cysts, blackheads, or new infections at the application site. This medication may also cause delays in wound healing.

This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Mometasone furoate combination should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. It should not be used during pregnancy, if tuberculosis of the skin is present, or in pets with a ruptured ear drum. Mometasone furoate combination should be used cautiously in pets that require a large treatment area or in pets that are smaller in size and in geriatric pets as deafness may occur (usually temporary).

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

The following medications should be used with caution when given with mometasone furoate combinations: drugs that are ototoxic or that are known to cause ear damage. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.

This medication may interact with allergy testing; discontinue its use 2 weeks prior to allergy testing.

Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?

There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is using this medication. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working. Monitor for serious side effects.

How do I store mometasone furoate combination?

Store this medication in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36°F and 77°F (2°C and 25°C). Store up to 28 days after first use, and then discard.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.

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