Medically reviewed on June 5, 2018
What is clioquinol and hydrocortisone?
Clioquinol topical fights bacteria and prevents fungus from growing on your skin.
Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
Clioquinol and hydrocortisone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clioquinol, hydrocortisone, iodoquinol or hydroxyquinoline.
To make sure clioquinol and hydrocortisone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
active or chronic infections (other than the skin infection you are treating with this medicine);
weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
blood circulation problems;
a thyroid disorder;
tuberculosis of the skin or
herpes infection of the eyes.
FDA pregnancy category B. Ala-Quin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether clioquinol and hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.
Clioquinol and hydrocortisone should not be used on a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I use clioquinol and hydrocortisone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use Ala-Quin in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take by mouth. Ala-Quin is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine in open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medication gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.
Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using Ala-Quin to treat a hand condition.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
Avoid using this medicine near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.
Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight- fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Ala-Quin can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Ala-Quin.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
An overdose of topical hydrocortisone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using clioquinol and hydrocortisone?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using clioquinol and hydrocortisone.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Ala-Quin unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Clioquinol may stain skin, clothing, and other fabrics it comes in contact with. Take care not to get Ala-Quin on your clothes, carpet, or bed linens.
Clioquinol and hydrocortisone side effects
Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using Ala-Quin and call your doctor if you have:
severe burning or skin irritation;
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
stretch marks, increased hair growth; or
tired feeling, weight gain, puffiness in your face.
Common side effects may include:
mild burning or irritation where the medicine was applied;
dryness or cracking of treated skin;
acne, skin redness; or
changes in color of treated skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect clioquinol and hydrocortisone?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied clioquinol and hydrocortisone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.07.
More about Ala-Quin (clioquinol / hydrocortisone topical)
- Ala-Quin Side Effects
- During Pregnancy
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- 1 Review
- Drug class: topical steroids with anti-infectives
Other brands: Dermasorb AF