Abstract

Fluperolone (Methral - Pfizer) is a fluorinated prednisolone derivative for which the principal claim is that it relieves itching more rapidly than hydro cortisone. In a concentration of 0.1% the drug is clearly as effective as 1% hydrocortisone, but the claim that it acts more quickly appears to be based entirely on uncontrolled clinical impressions. Locally applied hydrocortisone, in common with other steroid applications, begins to show an effect within one day, and the advantage of a more rapid action would be small even if it were clearly demonstrated.