Lidex Ointment(Fluocinonide)(Lyderm in Canada)

Lidex Ointment, also called Lyderm in Canada, contains fluocinonide 0.05%, a strong prescription steroid used on the skin. It helps reduce redness, swelling, itching, and irritation from skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Fluocinonide works by reducing inflammation in the skin. The ointment base helps hold in moisture, making it useful for dry, thick, or scaly patches.

Directions

Lidex Ointment is for use on the skin only. Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2 to 4 times per day or as directed by a healthcare provider. Rub it in gently, and wash your hands before and after use unless your hands are being treated. Do not cover, bandage, or tightly wrap the treated area unless instructed to by a healthcare provider, as doing so can cause your body to absorb more medicine. Avoid long-term use on the face, underarms, groin, or skin folds. Use the smallest amount needed for the shortest time needed to control symptoms.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Lidex Ointment is fluocinonide. The inactive ingredients in the ointment base may include glyceryl monostearate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, white petrolatum, and white wax.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

Lidex Ointment is for external use on the skin only. Do not use it in the eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Using large amounts over wide areas of skin, applying it for long periods, or covering the treated skin with bandages or tight clothing can increase how much medicine the body absorbs. This can lead to adverse effects such as suppression of the body’s natural cortisol (HPA axis suppression) and high blood sugar. Use the smallest amount needed for the shortest time.

Long-term or repeated use can thin the skin and cause stretch marks, especially on the face, underarms, groin, or other skin folds where the skin is naturally thinner.

Do not use Lidex Ointment on skin that has an active untreated infection. If a skin infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral) is present, it should be treated with the right antimicrobial first.

Children may absorb more medicine through the skin compared to adults and are more sensitive to side effects, including slowed growth and adrenal suppression. Tight diapers or plastic pants should not be used on children being treated in the diaper area.

Stop using Lidex Ointment and tell your healthcare provider if local irritation, burning, blistering, or signs of infection develop on the treated skin.

Use it during pregnancy only if the potential benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk. Avoid using large amounts or treating wide areas during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding, since caution is advised when topical corticosteroids are used by nursing women.

Store at room temperature, around 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C). Avoid temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to fluocinonide, other corticosteroids, or any of the inactive ingredients in Lidex Ointment.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Lidex Ointment include:

• Burning or stinging at the application site
• Itching
• Skin irritation or dryness
• Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)
• Acne-like breakouts
• Increased hair growth in the treated area
• Lightening of the skin
• Rash around the mouth
• Heat rash

Stop using Lidex Ointment and get medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction such as widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

Other serious problems with long-term use can include thinning of the skin (skin atrophy), stretch marks (striae), a new or worsening skin infection, and systemic steroid effects such as Cushing-like symptoms (rounding of the face, weight gain in the trunk, easy bruising) and high blood sugar.

In children, long-term or excessive use may lead to slowed growth, delayed weight gain, and potentially increased pressure inside the skull.

References

• Fluocinonide Ointment Highlights of Prescribing Information. Brookfield, WI: County Line Pharmaceuticals, LLC; 2016.
• Fluocinonide Ointment USP, 0.05% Drug Label Information. Cranbury, NJ: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.; 2025.