ICD-10 Specific code L23: Allergic contact dermatitis

Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid which is about eight to ten times as active as prednisolone on a weight-for-weight basis. Betamethasone has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.

Clobetasone is a topical corticosteroids. Clobetasone has little effect on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function. Clobetasone is less potent than other available corticosteroid preparations and has been shown not to suppress the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients treated for psoriasis or eczema.

Dexchlorpheniramine, the d-isomer of the racemic compound chlorpheniramine, is two times more active than chlorpheniramine. Dexchlorpheniramine does not prevent the release of histamine, but rather, competes with free histamine for binding at the H₁-receptor sites, and competitively antagonizes the effects of histamine on H₁-receptors in the GI tract, uterus, large blood vessels, and bronchial muscle. Blockade of H₁-receptors also suppresses the formation of oedema, flare, and pruritus that result from histaminic activity. Since dexchlorpheniramine binds to central and peripheral H₁-receptors, sedative effects are likely to occur. Dexchlorpheniramine has high antihistaminic activity, moderate anticholinergic effects and minimal sedative effects.

Diphenhydramine is an ethanolamine-derivative antihistamine. It is an antihistamine with anticholinergic and marked sedative effects. It acts by inhibiting the effects on H₁-receptors. Diphenhydramine is effective in reducing sleep onset (i.e., time to fall asleep) and increasing the depth and quality of sleep.

Fluocinonide is a synthetic anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Its mechanisms of action are related to vasoconstriction and suppression of membrane permeability, mitotic activity, the immune response and release of inflammatory mediators.

Hydrocortisone is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid. Its anti-inflammatory action is due to reduction in the vascular component of the inflammatory response and reduction in the formation of inflammatory fluid and cellular exudates.

Ketotifen is a histamine H₁-receptor antagonist. In vivo animal studies and in vitro studies suggest the additional activities of mast cell stabilisation and inhibition of infiltration, activation and degranulation of eosinophils.

Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid and a methyl derivative of prednisolone. Methylprednisolone is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to profoundly inhibit the immune system.