Melalite XL Cream

Melalite XL cream is a combination medicine used for the treatment and prevention of moderate-to-severe melasma (dark and discoloured patches on the skin) and senile lentigines (dark spots or age spots in older people due to exposure to the sun). Melasma is a condition where the skin develops brown or blue-grey patches on the face, which may be due to hormonal changes or exposure to the sun. This medicine lightens the skin tone or appearance.

It consists of a combination of mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone as active ingredients. This cream increases skin renewal functioning. Melalite XL cream should not be used for a prolonged duration unless it is prescribed by your dermatologist, as it contains a steroid.

Wash your hands before and after applying this cream. You should not apply this cream on a cut, open wound or burn skin area. Avoid direct sun exposure immediately after applying for this medicine.

Use this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor.

Dosage

Overdose

As this medicine is for external application only, cases of overdose are unlikely. However, upon accidental ingestion, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital. If you have overapplied it, then wipe out the excess medicine with a tissue or cotton. Excessive use for a prolonged duration is not advisable as it can lead to hormonal issues.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed applying this medicine, then apply it as soon as possible. Do not overapply this cream to compensate for the missed application.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Melalite XL cream contains a combination of Mometasone, Tretinoin and Hydroquinone as its active ingredients and works by the combined action of these three components.
• Hydroquinone inhibits an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin pigmentation and melasma.
• Tretinoin is a metabolite of Vitamin A and is keratolytic. It is responsible for the elimination of melanin that has been formed. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Mometasone is a corticosteroid and it works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Mometasone narrows and constricts blood vessels, which are dilated (widened) and leaky and allowing other inflammatory cells into the skin to promote the inflammatory response.

Directions for Use

• Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Apply it on a healthy skin surface. Avoid applying on cuts and wounds.
• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine unless your hands are the area to be treated.
• If your eyes come in contact with this cream, then rinse your eyes with clean water immediately.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I apply Melalite XL cream during pregnancy?

Melalite XL cream should not be used in pregnant women, as it has the potential to cause birth defects in the unborn baby. Please consult your doctor before using any medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I apply Melalite XL cream while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if the components of Melalite XL cream pass into the breastmilk and there are no establishments of its safety in breastfeeding women. Thus, it is not recommended to use it if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have applied Melalite XL cream?

Melalite XL cream is a topical preparation and may not affect your driving ability or ability to handle machinery.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Melalite XL cream?

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Melalite XL cream. However, you should avoid consuming alcohol as it can worsen the infection and delay healing.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a history of allergic reactions after the application of topical creams.
• You are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• You think rashes or infections have developed on the skin after using this medicine.
• Avoid exposure to sun rays as it may be harmful after applying this cream.
• Do not apply anywhere near the eyes, nose, mouth or any infected or exposed surfaces.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone or any other ingredients of the Melalite XL cream.
• If you have skin conditions such as eczema (infected skin due to allergy), rosacea (small red pustules on face), rashes around the mouth (perioral dermatitis) or damaged skin anywhere in the body.
• If you have a viral or fungal infection of the skin, any ulcers on the skin or tuberculosis.
• If you need exposure to the sun for prolonged periods (using sunscreen lotion is advisable).
• If you have a skin tumour or a family history of skin tumour.

Side effects

• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Stinging sensation
• Skin sensitivity at the site of application

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• There is limited information available on the interaction of this medicine with other medicines. However, as it contains a combination of mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone, any interactions may be seen with these three components, when taken alone may occur with this combination.
• Since this medicine is to be used externally on the skin, it is less likely to interact with other medicines. However, always consult your doctor if you are taking other medicines for treating other health conditions.
• You should always tell the doctor if you are taking any other medicines, herbal preparation and supplements to avoid interaction with Melalite XL cream.

Interactions with food items

Melalite cream is for external use only.

Storage and disposal

• Store this medicine in the original container in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep the medicine away from children and pets.
• Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should I use Melalite XL cream?

• Apply it gently as a thin film and rub or massage it thoroughly after applying until the cream absorbs into the skin.
• Exposure to the sun should be avoided and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent the sun's radiation from reaching your skin.
• Do not use this cream more than that advised by the doctor. This cream should not be used for a prolonged duration to avoid side effects such as skin thinning, irritation.

What are the precautions to be taken while applying Melalite XL cream?

• Do not apply anywhere near the eyes, nose, mouth or any infected or exposed surfaces.
• Do not occlude (applying a polythene film) after applying this cream or use it under bandages.
• Limit sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen while going out in the sun to avoid damage to the skin by radiations.
• You should cover the areas of skin where this medicine is applied when outdoors.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition characterised by dark spots or pigmentation (excessive production of melanin) on the skin. It appears as greyish brown to brown patches on the face. It usually occurs on the face, involving cheeks, forehead, lower eyelids, uppers lip and nose.

What are the causes of melasma?

The exact cause of melasma is not known. Pregnancy, birth control pills, hormonal changes, exposure to sunlight (UV rays), hypothyroidism, or a family history of melasma are believed to be some common triggers for melasma.

Can I use this medicine for acne and pimples?

No, it does not have any action against acne and pimples and thus should not be used for treating such skin disorders.

How does Melalite XL cream work?

Melalite XL cream works by reducing the formation of a pigment called melanin responsible for dark spots. It also helps in improving the spots on the skin and reduces swelling, redness and itching.

Is this medicine good for the face?

Yes, it is good for the skin of the face, which is the usual area affected by melasma.

Will Melalite XL cream be more effective if applied more than recommended dose?

No, Melalite XL cream will not be more effective if overapplied. Applying excess of this cream can increase the risk of side effects. If you feel your condition is not improving after applying this cream, consult your doctor for re-evaluation.

How do you use Melalite XL Cream?

• Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Apply it on a healthy skin surface. Avoid applying on cuts and wounds.
• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine unless your hands are the area to be treated.
• If your eyes come in contact with this cream, then rinse your eyes with clean water immediately.

What are the side effects of Melalite XL Cream?

Itching, redness, dryness, stinging sensation, skin sensitivity at the site of application are a few side effects that can be seen during the treatment. However, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on your own. Also, it is not important that everyone experience the same.