Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Prescription Medication Options Table

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to by many doctors and patients as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, dry, scaly, red skin.

This prescription medication options table provides information on different medications authorized for sale by Health Canada for eczema. Many patients may be familiar with medications that are applied to the skin (topicals), but there are medications that are injected or taken by mouth as well.

Talk to your doctor or dermatologist to find out which treatment is right for you.

Interleukin inhibitors

Examples
  • PrDupixent® available since 2018 (dupilumab)
What’s it used for
  • Used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults whose condition is not controlled adequately with topical treatments, or if those treatments are not advisable. This medication can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.
How it works
  • It blocks the action of certain proteins, called interleukins, that play a major role in the symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis).
  • The medication will benefit you by improving the condition of your skin and reducing itching.
Side effects*
  • Injection site reactions
  • Eye dryness, redness, or itching
  • Eyelid itching, redness, or swelling
  • Cold sores
  • Allergic reactions (e.g. fever, hives, etc.)

Oral corticosteroids

Examples
  • PrApo-prednisone available since 1982, other generics (prednisone)
What’s it used for
  • Used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis).
How it works
  • It decreases the body’s reaction to certain conditions and reduces inflammation.
Side effects*
  • Increased appetite, weight gain, bloating, change in taste, abnormal fat deposits
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, hiccups
  • Thinning hair, unusual hair growth
  • Feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness
  • Headache, dizziness, forgetfulness, confusion, tiredness, irritation, euphoria
  • Change in strength and reflexes
  • Rounder face
  • Increased sweating
  • Increased or decreased motility and number of sperm
  • Thin, fragile, dry, or itchy skin
  • Tingling, tickling, prickling, or burning sensation
  • Spots containing blood or caused by broken blood vessels
  • Lightening or darkening of an area of skin
  • Rash, acne, or an area of pus that is red, warm, and swollen (abscess)

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors

Examples
  • PrEucrisa® available since 2018 (crisaborole)
What’s it used for
  • To treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in those 2 years of age and older.
How it works
  • The exact way this medication works is unknown. It is thought that it reduces the amount of substances in the body that trigger the rash and itchiness caused by eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Side effects*
  • Pain, burning, or stinging in the applied area.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Examples
  • PrElidel® available since 2012 (pimecrolimus)
  • PrProtopic® available since 2001 (tacrolimus)
What’s it used for
  • Pimecrolimus: To treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in those 2 years of age and older who do not have a weakened immune system. This medication should only be used after other therapies have shown to be ineffective or unsuitable.
  • Tacrolimus: To treat moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in those 2 years of age and older who do not have a weakened immune system. This medication should only be used after other therapies have shown to be ineffective or unsuitable.
How it works
  • The exact way these medications work is unknown. However, they have been shown to control inflammation, itching, or redness caused by eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Side effects*
  • Stinging, burning, or itching of the treated skin
  • Headache, nose and throat infection, flu-like symptoms, fever, viral infection, and cough
  • Some people may get cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, warts, or swollen lymph nodes

Topical corticosteroids

Examples
  • PrAristocort® available since 1997, generics (triamcinolone acetonide)
  • PrCelestoderm V® available since 2011, generics (betamethasone valerate)
  • PrTaro-amcinonide available since 2003, other generics (amcinonide)
  • PrDerma-Smoothe/FS® available since 1991, PrSynalar® available since 1996 (fluocinolone acetonide)
  • PrDermatop® available since 2001 (prednicarbate)
  • PrDiprolene® available since 1985, generics (betamethasone dipropionate glycol)
  • PrDiprosone® available since 1975, generics (betamethasone dipropionate)
  • PrElocom® available since 1991, generics (mometasone furoate)
  • PrHydroval® available since 2000 (hydrocortisone valerate)
  • PrLidemol® available since 1995, PrLidex® available since 1996, generics (fluocinonide)
  • PrOlux-E® available since 2013, generics (clobetasol proprionate)
  • PrPropaderm® available since 1998 (beclomethasone diproprionate)
  • PrTopicort® available since 1997(desoximetasone)
  • PrTridesilon® available since 1996, generics (desonide)
  • PrUltravate® available since 1993 (halobetasol proprionate)
What’s it used for
  • Depending on the specific product, topical corticosteroids can be used for mild, moderate, or severe eczema (atopic dermatitis).
How it works
  • When applied to the skin, corticosteroids reduce inflammation (swelling and redness) and itching.
Side effects*
  • Dryness, itching, burning, and local irritation
  • Thinning of skin
  • Hypopigmentation
  • Acne-like skin eruptions
  • Dermatitis around the mouth

*This is not a complete list of side effects. Please ask your health care provider or refer to the product monograph for more information.