A double-blind controlled comparison of generic and trade-name topical steroids using the vasoconstriction assay.

Six generic formulations of five topical steroids were compared for bioequivalence with their trade-name counterparts using an in vivo vasoconstriction assay. Two of six generic formulations were found to show significantly less vasoconstriction than the respective trade-name topical steroids. The issue of generic equivalence of topical steroids is discussed, with particular emphasis on the vagaries of the vasoconstriction assay.