Below is a table summarizing some of the most commonly prescribed topical creams, their active compounds, popular brand names, and available alternatives (generic or other brands). This list focuses on widely used creams across various therapeutic categories, such as corticosteroids, antifungals, antibiotics, and retinoids, based on general prescribing trends as of March 22, 2025. Note that availability of brands and generics may vary by region, and this table is not exhaustive but representative of common prescriptions.
| Category | Active Compound | Popular Brand Name | Alternatives (Generic or Other Brands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid (Low Potency) | Hydrocortisone | Cortizone-10 | Hydrocortisone (generic), Hytone, Locoid |
| Corticosteroid (Medium Potency) | Triamcinolone | Kenalog | Triamcinolone (generic), Aristocort, Triderm |
| Corticosteroid (High Potency) | Clobetasol | Clobex, Temovate | Clobetasol (generic), Olux, Dermovate |
| Antifungal | Clotrimazole | Lotrimin AF | Clotrimazole (generic), Canesten, Mycelex |
| Antifungal | Ketoconazole | Nizoral | Ketoconazole (generic), Xolegel, Extina |
| Antibiotic | Mupirocin | Bactroban | Mupirocin (generic), Centany |
| Antibiotic/Steroid Combo | Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone | Cortisporin | Generic versions, Neo-Polycin HC |
| Retinoid (Acne) | Tretinoin | Retin-A | Tretinoin (generic), Avita, Altreno, Atralin |
| Retinoid (Acne) | Adapalene | Differin | Adapalene (generic), Epiduo (with benzoyl peroxide) |
| NSAID (Pain Relief) | Diclofenac | Voltaren Gel | Diclofenac (generic), Pennsaid, Flector |
| Antiviral | Acyclovir | Zovirax | Acyclovir (generic), Sitavig |
| Moisturizer (Eczema) | Urea | Carmol, Ureacin | Urea (generic), Eucerin, Aquaphor (non-urea alternative) |
| Keratolytic (Warts) | Salicylic Acid | Compound W | Salicylic Acid (generic), Duofilm, Wart-Off |
| Anesthetic | Lidocaine | Lidoderm | Lidocaine (generic), Aspercreme with Lidocaine, Xylocaine |
| Calcineurin Inhibitor (Eczema) | Tacrolimus | Protopic | Tacrolimus (generic), Elidel (pimecrolimus alternative) |
Notes:
- Corticosteroids: Potency varies (low, medium, high), and prescribing depends on the condition’s severity. Generics are widely available.
- Antifungals: Used for conditions like athlete’s foot or ringworm; generics are cost-effective alternatives.
- Antibiotics: Often prescribed for localized skin infections; combo products address inflammation and infection simultaneously.
- Retinoids: Common for acne and photoaging; generics have increased availability since patents expired.
- NSAIDs: Topical diclofenac is popular for joint pain; alternatives may differ in formulation (gel vs. solution).
- Availability: Brand names may be discontinued or replaced by generics over time (e.g., Coumadin for warfarin is no longer sold, but this is less common for topicals).
This table reflects commonly prescribed creams based on therapeutic use and market presence as of early 2025. For the most current prescribing data or region-specific alternatives, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist, as my knowledge is broad but not tied to a specific dataset beyond general trends. Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any category!
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