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Hydrocortisone ointment 1%

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Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Hydrocortisone ointment 1% is a substance for external use. It is an artificial drug from the GCS group. It has an anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect.

The drug slows down the processes of cytokine release (interferon with interleukins) from macrophages, as well as lymphocytes; in addition, it suppresses the release of inflammatory conductors from eosinophils, destroys the binding of PG and the metabolic processes of arachidonic acid. [ 1 ]

When used in prescribed dosages, it does not cause systemic adverse effects. [ 2 ]

Indications Hydrocortisone ointment 1%

It is used to treat allergic and inflammatory lesions of the epidermis that are non-microbial in nature (also those that cause itching): psoriasis, pruritus, eczema, neurodermatitis, seborrhea and erythroderma, as well as insect bites and contact or allergic dermatitis.

Release form

The therapeutic agent is released in the form of an ointment for external use, inside 10 g tubes.

Pharmacodynamics

The drug stimulates glucocorticosteroid endings, thereby inducing the formation of lipocortin. It weakens inflammatory infiltrates in the area of cells and reduces the movement of leukocytes (including lymphocytes) into the area of inflammation. [ 3 ]

Pharmacokinetics

After applying the ointment, the active element accumulates inside the epidermis (most of it inside the granular layer).

Metabolic processes occur directly inside the epidermis and then develop inside the liver.

Excretion occurs through the intestines and kidneys.

Dosing and administration

The ointment should be applied externally - a thin layer should be applied to the affected areas of the epidermis, 2-3 times per day. The duration of the treatment cycle is determined by the effectiveness of the therapy and the nature of the disease; it usually lasts 6-14 days. In severe cases of the pathology, it can be extended up to 20 days. In the case of treatment of limited foci, hermetic bandages can be used to potentiate the effect.

In children over 2 years of age, the ointment can be used for no more than 14 days; also, actions that potentiate the absorption of hydrocortisone (fixing, sealing and warming bandages) should not be performed.

  • Application for children

Should not be administered to infants under 1 year of age.

When used in children, the duration of the treatment cycle should be reduced, since in childhood, suppression of the adrenal cortex may occur more quickly. At the same time, deterioration in the excretion of STH may occur. With prolonged use of the ointment, it is necessary to monitor the indicators of growth, weight and plasma cortisol.

The drug can be used in a child under 12 years of age only under the supervision of a doctor. If there is no improvement (or the clinical picture worsens) after 1 week of using the drug, and also if the symptoms reappear after several days from the moment of discontinuing the ointment, its use should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted.

When treating large areas of skin or for long-term therapy, a diet with increased K+ and limited Na should be prescribed; the body should also receive a sufficient amount of protein.

It is necessary to monitor the blood glucose level, blood pressure, blood clotting, patient weight, diuresis and plasma cortisol values.

Use Hydrocortisone ointment 1% during pregnancy

GCS are able to cross the placenta. The effect on the fetus may be especially pronounced if large areas of skin are treated with the ointment. It is necessary to use Hydrocortisone ointment with extreme caution during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

  • the presence of wounds or ulcers on the epidermis;
  • viral or infectious skin lesions;
  • mycoses;
  • tuberculosis.

Side effects Hydrocortisone ointment 1%

The main side effects are: hypertrichosis, itching, epidermal atrophy, hyperemia, edema, secondary infection and allergy symptoms. With prolonged use of high doses, negative signs develop that occur with systemic use of GCS.

Overdose

The likelihood of acute intoxication is very low, but with prolonged or excessive use of Hydrocortisone ointment, chronic poisoning may develop, in which symptoms of hypercorticism are observed: glucosuria, treatable suppression of the adrenal cortex, hyperglycemia and signs of Cushingoid.

Appropriate symptomatic procedures are performed; in case of chronic toxic effects, gradual withdrawal of the drug is necessary.

Interactions with other drugs

Anticonvulsants, barbiturates and antihistamines weaken the effect of drugs.

Use with paracetamol causes hepatotoxicity.

Hydrocortisone ointment potentiates the effect of anticoagulants and weakens the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs and salicylates.

Non-potassium-sparing diuretics and SG potentiate hypokalemia; combination with anabolic steroids increases tissue hydrophilicity.

Use together with amphotericin B may provoke cardiac failure and dilated myocardial damage.

Storage conditions

Hydrocortisone ointment 1% should be stored at temperatures no higher than 15°C.

Shelf life

Hydrocortisone ointment 1% can be used within 36 months from the date of manufacture of the pharmaceutical product.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Laticort, Cortef with Solu Cortef and Posterisan.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Hydrocortisone ointment 1%" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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