Precise Evaluation of Topically Applied Corticosteroid Potency

Strict control of experimental variables yields a vasoconstrictor assay of extreme sensitivity and high precision that can be used to develop important information relating chemical structure and vasoconstriction following topical application to normal skin. In this assay fluocinolide has about five times the potency of the standard fluocinolone acetonide while triamcinolone acetonide and betamethasone valerate have approximately the same activity as fluocinolone acetonide. Hydrocortisone with only one thousandth the activity of fluocinolone acetonide is at the lower limit of sensitivity of the assay.