Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical cream
- 0.1%
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical lotion
- 0.1%
- 1%
- 2%
- 2.5%
topical gel
- 1%
- 10%
topical solution
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical ointment
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
Atopic Dermatitis
Apply thin film to affected area BID
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations
Hydrocortisone base: q6-12hr
Hydrocortisone acetate: q6-12hr
Hydrocortisone butyrate: q8-12hr
Hydrocortisone valerate: q8-12hr
Dosage Forms & Strengths
topical cream
- 0.1%
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical lotion
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2%
- 2.5%
topical gel
- 1%
topical solution
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical ointment
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations
Infants, children, and adolescents; products for OTC use are not labeled for use in children <2 years
Hydrocortisone base: q6-12hr
Hydrocortisone acetate: q6-12hr
Hydrocortisone butyrate: q8-12hr
Dosing considerations
- Limit to the minimum amount necessary for therapeutic efficacy
Atopic Dermatitis
<3 months: Safety and efficacy not established
≥3 months: Apply film to affected area q12hr
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Skin atrophy
Striae
Acneform lesions
Perioral dermatitis
Folliculitis
Itching
Pigmentation changes
HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 wk)
Warnings
Contraindications
Underlying infection
Hypersensitivity
Ophthalmic use
Treatment of diaper dermatitis
Cautions
Chronic topical corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development in children
Use lower potency in children; may absorb proportionally larger amounts after topical application and may cause systemic effects
Occlusive dressings, prolonged use, application to large surface areas, or application to denuded skin, may increase percutaneous absorption, which may result in Cushing syndrome, glycosuria, and hyperglycemia
Prolonged use may increase risk of Kaposi's sarcoma
Prolonged use may increase risk of secondary infection, may mask acute infection, limit response to vaccines, and prolong or exacerbate viral infections; avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox while receiving therapy; not for the treatment of ocular herpes simplex, cerebral malaria, fungal infections, or viral hepatitis; observe patients with latent tuberculosis closely; restrict use in active tuberculosis
Acute myopathy reported with high dose corticosteroids, especially patients with neuromuscular transmission disorders
Psychiatric disturbances including euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, and personality changes reported with corticosteroid use
Allergic contact dermatitis may occur; diagnosed as failure to heal rather than exacerbation; discontinue therapy and treat appropriately if it occurs
May suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, especially in patients receiving high doses for prolonged periods of time and younger children, which may result in adrenal crisis
Anaphylactoid reactions reported in patients receiving corticosteroids
Local desensitization (irritation, redness) reported; discontinue if it occurs
Use caution in patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hepatic impairment, myocardial infarction, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, ocular disease, renal impairment, or thyroid disease
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids; corticosteroids generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels; topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefits justify potential risk to fetus; should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time
Lactation
Not know whether topical administration could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk; systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have deleterious effect on infant; nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Decreases inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes
Inhibits macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas
Reduces leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium
Reduces capillary wall permeability and edema formation
Decreases complement components and antagonizes histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates
Reduces fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation
Absorption
Percutaneous; extent of absorption in dependent on formulation, epidermal integrity (intact vs abraded), and the use of occlusive dressings
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ala-Scalp topical - | 2 % lotion |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 0.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 0.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % lotion |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % lotion |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % lotion |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 0.5 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % lotion |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Ala-Cort topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 20 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 20 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 10 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 5 mg tablet |  | |
| hydrocortisone oral - | 20 mg tablet |  | |
| Cortef oral - | 20 mg tablet | | |
| Cortef oral - | 10 mg tablet | | |
| Cortef oral - | 5 mg tablet | | |
| Aquanil HC topical - | 1 % lotion |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 2.5-1 % cream |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 1-1 % lotion |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 2.5-1 % lotion |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 2.5-1 % cream |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 1-1 % lotion |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 2.5-1 % lotion |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 1-1 % cream |  | |
| Pramosone topical - | 1-1 % cream |  | |
| Texacort topical - | 2.5 % solution |  | |
| ITCH-X topical - | 1-10 % liquid |  | |
| ITCH-X topical - | 1-10 % gel |  | |
| Cortenema rectal - | 100 mg/60 mL enema |  | |
| Cortenema rectal - | 100 mg/60 mL enema |  | |
| Proctozone-HC topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| Proctozone-HC topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| Cortizone-10 topical - | 1 % gel |  | |
| Cortizone-10 topical - | 1 % lotion |  | |
| Cortizone-10 topical - | 1 % ointment |  | |
| Cortizone-10 topical - | 1 % lotion |  | |
| Cortizone-10 topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Cortizone-10 topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Procto-Med HC topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| Proctocort topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Scalacort topical - | 2 % lotion |  | |
| Proctosol HC topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| Alkindi Sprinkle oral - | 0.5 mg capsule |  | |
| Alkindi Sprinkle oral - | 5 mg capsule |  | |
| Cortizone-10 Plus topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Cortisone (hydrocortisone) topical - | 1 % cream |  | |
| Anusol-HC rectal - | 25 mg suppos |  | |
| Anusol-HC rectal - | 25 mg suppos |  | |
| Anusol-HC topical - | 2.5 % cream |  | |
| hydrocortisone rectal - | 100 mg/60 mL enema |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
hydrocortisone topical
HYDROCORTISONE - TOPICAL
(HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aquanil HC, Cetacort, Cortaid, Hytone
USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching). Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a mild corticosteroid.
HOW TO USE: There are many hydrocortisone products available. Many can be purchased without a prescription. Some products require a prescription. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the choice of the product that is best for you.Use this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor. Some products are meant to be used on the scalp for various conditions. To correctly use these products, follow the directions on the product package.Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. If you are using the lotion or foam, shake it well just before using. If you are using the spray, check the product package to see if it needs to be shaken before each use. Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually up to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor or the product package. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of condition being treated. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in or near the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.After applying the medication, wash your hands, unless the hands are being treated. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water. If irritation occurs or continues, contact your doctor right away.Use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed or a condition that is listed on the product package. Do not use it for longer than directed by the product package or your doctor.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 7 days or if you think you may have a serious medical problem.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.If the treated area starts to bleed, especially if you are using this product for anal itching, contact your doctor right away.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using hydrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as prednisone, triamcinolone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.If you have itching of the outer female genitals with vaginal discharge, consult your doctor before using this product.Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated. Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Tell your doctor promptly if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.If prescribed by your doctor, use this medication for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.Keep all medical and lab appointments.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Refer to the storage information printed on the package. Protect from light and moisture. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised January 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
