Brand Name
Nerisalic
Common Name
diflucortolone and salicylic acid (cream)
In this drug factsheet:
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This is a combination medication that contain two ingredients: diflucortolone and salicylic acid. It is used to treat skin conditions such as chronic eczema and psoriasis.
Diflucortolone belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids, which works by reducing skin inflammation and thereby relieves itchiness and irritation. Salicylic acid belongs to the group of medications known as keratolytics, which promotes the removal of dead skin cells.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
This medication should be applied to affected areas in a thin film. During the first week of treatment, it should be applied 2 or 3 times daily. After the first week, this medication should be applied once or twice daily.
The medication should not be used for more than 4 weeks at a time. Check with your doctor if the skin condition does not start to improve within a week, or if it seems to be getting worse.
This medication should not be applied in or near the eyes. If contact with the eyes occurs, flush with plenty of water and check with your doctor. The medication should not be applied to broken skin or open wounds. Do not use it under dressings that don't breathe unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure that to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Nerisalic is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to diflucortolone, salicylic acid, or to any ingredients of the medication
- has a skin reaction after a vaccination
- has a viral skin infection
- has chickenpox
- has tuberculosis of the skin or skin infections from syphilis
- has untreated bacterial or fungal skin infections
