Hydrocortisone

Generic Name : Hydrocortisone

TradeName : Cort-S, Efcorlin INJ, HSS, Hycoson, Lycortin-S, Primacort, Wycort, Crotorax-HC, Cutisof T Cream, Daktacort Gel, Locoiplipo, Lycor Cream, Neosporin-H, Tendrone Cream

Overview :  They belong to corticosteroids and are synthesized in adrenal cortex. The synthesis occur under the influence of ACTH. The anti-inflammatory action is due to inhibition of prostog landin and leucotriese synthesis. After binding to receptor, steroid-receptor complex binds to chromatin and stimulates the formation of mRNA. The mRNA stimulates the synthesis of enzymes.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Low-strength preparations are used without a prescription for the temporary relief of:
(1) minor skin irritation, and rashes caused by eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and jewelry
(2) itchy anal and rectal areas
(3) itching, irritation of the scalp
(4) Itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions
(5) Discomfort of mouth sores
(6) Inflammation of ulcerative colitis
(7) Swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids
(8) Other rectal problems.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Incase of neonates, premature infants, patients with localor systemic infections, herpebic or fungal keratitis & cataract please inform the doctor prior to use.

Missed a Dose? :
If you forget to apply a dose, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it and apply the remaining doses for that day at evenly spced intervals. Do not apply a double dose.

How it should be taken :
1. Hydrocortisone comes in the form of ointment, cream, lotion, and aerosol spray for use on the skin; foam, suppositories, cream, ointment, and enema for rectal use; and paste for use in the mouth.
2. To apply the paste, press a small amount
3. Hydrocortisone usually is used 1 to 4 times a day for skin problems. It is discontinued gradually.
4. For mouth sores, it usually is applied two or three times a day after meals and at bedtime. If mouth sores do not begin to heal within seven days, contact your doctor.
5. For colitis, hydrocortisone usually is used every night or twice a day for two or three weeks. Although colitis symptoms may improve within three to five days, two to three months of regular enema use may be required. Contact your doctor if your colitis symptoms do not improve within three weeks.
6. For hemorrhoids, hydrocortisone usually is used twice a day, in the morning and at night, for two to six days. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
7. If you obtained this medication without a prescription and your condition persists or worsens, stop using the medication and contact your doctor

Special Instruction :
1. If your skin problem continues or worsens or if the treated area gets infected or oozes pus, contact your doctor.
2. Use hydrocortisone exactly as directed.
3. Do not wrap or bandage the treated areas unless directed to do so by your doctor.
4. Do not use the medication for a longer time than as directed, and do not apply it more frequently than as stated on the label.
5. If you obtained hydrocortisone with a prescription, do not use it on areas of your body other than as directed by your doctor and do not use it for other skin problems.
6. Do not apply cosmetics, lotions, or other skin preparations to the treated area without consulting your doctor.
7. If you are using this medication on a child’s diaper area, do not place tightly fitting diapers or plastic pants on the child. They can increase the absorption of hydrocortisone through the skin, which can decrease growth.

Side Effects :
1. Acne, skin sores, itching, burning, stinging, irritation, increased hair growth, changes in skin color, skin infection from the ointment, cream, lotion, and aerosol. Contact your doctor.
2. Irritation, burning, stinging from the rectal foam, enema, and suppositories. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. If you have an infection, tell your doctor before using hydrocortisone.
2. In the case of pregnancy, use if benefits outweighs potential hazard to mother & fetus. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should inform their doctors before using this drug.
3. If you obtained hydrocortisone with a prescription, do not allow anyone else to use your medication. Another persons skin problems may be very different from yours.
4. Do not use hydrocortisone on children less than two years of age without consulting a doctor.
5. Use with caution in case of lactation & old age.

Drug Interactions :
Interacts with carbamazepine, primidone, oestrogens, ketoconazole, R.Fanpicin, anticholineskerases, cydosporine, isoniazid, salicylates & diuretics.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication out of the reach of children. Store it according to the package directions.