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Cordran Tape

Generic name: flurandrenolide
Brand name: Cordran
Dosage form: Topical tape
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 13, 2023.

What is Cordran Tape?

Cordran Tape is a potent topical steroid tape that may be applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and itching caused by corticosteroid-responsive skin rashes or lesions (dermatoses), particularly dry, scaling, localized, lesions. It contains flurandrenolide 4mcg/cm2.

Cordran tape is the only Class 1 corticosteroid in a tape. It is transparent, flexible, and versatile for difficult-to-treat areas, such as fingertips, elbows, and knees, and can be left in place for up to 24 hours.

Cordran Tape was FDA approved on July 29, 1969.

Warnings

Cordran Tape contains flurandrenolide which is a highly potent, Class I corticosteroid that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, including Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Do not use for long periods and do not exceed the recommended dose. Periodic monitoring for HPA suppression may be required.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cordran Tape if you are allergic to it.

Cordran Tape should not be applied to lesions that are exuding serum or to skin folds (where two areas of skin touch each other).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Topical corticosteroids can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Children are more susceptible to systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.

It is not known whether Cordran Tape will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you are instructed to use Cordran Tape, use only a small length and for the shortest time possible.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are instructed to use Cordran Tape, use only a small length and for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the breasts.

How do I use Cordran Tape?

The adhesive surface of the tape is covered with a protective paper liner that allows handling and trimming of the tape before applying it.

Only use as directed by your doctor. Do not use it for any other skin condition. Only use on your skin and do avoid contact with the eyes. Do not cover Cordran Tape with another bandage or wrap with an occlusive dressing unless your doctor has told you to do so.

  1. Gently clean the area of skin to be covered with a germicidal soap or cleanser and remove any scales, crusts, or previously used creams or lotions.
  2. Make sure the skin is dry before applying the tape.
  3. Cut a piece slightly larger than the area to be covered and round off corners
  4. Return the remainder of the tape to the vial and close the lid.
  5. Remove the white paper from the transparent tape (do not let the tape stick to itself) and apply it to the affected area by pressing it in place.
  6. Wash your hands after applying.

Replace the tape after 12 hours unless otherwise instructed. Clean the skin and allow it to dry for 1 hour before applying new tape.

If the ends of the tape loosen they may be trimmed off and replaced with new tape.

Do not use it if your skin is thin where you want to apply it.

Do not bandage, cover, or wrap your skin where you have applied Cordran Tape unless your doctor has told you to do so.

Do not use it on your face, scalp, armpits, groin, or skin folds.

Do not use other corticosteroid products while using Cordran Tape.

Cordran Tape should only be applied to the skin. Do not take by mouth, apply near your eyes, or insert it.

What are the side effects of Cordran Tape?

The most common side effect of Cordran Tape include:

Topical corticosteroids can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency.

If you develop a skin infection while using Cordran Tape your doctor may give you an antimicrobial cream to use as well. If this does not resolve the infection, your doctor may discontinue the tape until the infection has cleared.

Skin thinning, stretch marks, and miliaria can also occur.

If irritation develops, stop using Cordran Tape.

Possible signs that you may be absorbing this medicine through your skin include weight gain in your face and shoulders, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, and sexual changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Cordran Tape?

Cordran Tape is unlikely to interact with other medications you may take. But you should not use the tape with other topical or oral corticosteroids, because they may have an additive effect.

Tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Ingredients

Active ingredients: Flurandrenolide 4mcg/cm2 (0.00916 micro mols) uniformly distributed in the adhesive layer. 

Inactive ingredients: Synthetic copolymer of acrylate ester and acrylic acid. Free from substances of plant origin. in 1g of cream base (equivalent to 0.025%). The tape is a slightly elastic, highly flexible, thin polyethylene film with a matt finish.

Supplied as two lengths:

Storage

Store at room temperature 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F). Do not freeze.

Keep it in the original container in a dry place with the lid tightly closed. Do not repackage.

Keep out of reach of children.

Manufacturer

Almirall, LLC.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.