1. About hydrocortisone skin creams
- Teacode 1 0 1 Hydrocortisone Cream Usp
- Teacode 1 0 1 Hydrocortisone Cream 2%
- Teacode 1 0 1 Hydrocortisone Cream Over The Counter
Hydrocortisone creams, ointments and lotions contain a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid or 'steroid'. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.
Hydrocortisone creams are used on the skin to treat swelling, itching and irritation. They can help with skin problems such as:
Most hydrocortisone skin products are mild. You can buy them from pharmacies to use for certain health problems.
There is a stronger hydrocortisone cream called hydrocortisone butyrate. Djvureader ex 1 5 7. This is only available on prescription.
Sometimes hydrocortisone is mixed with antimicrobials (chemicals which kill germs) to treat skin problems caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
Other types of hydrocortisone
There are other types of hydrocortisone, including tablets, injections and foam.
Find out more about other ways you can use hydrocortisone to treat different health problems.
Hydrocortisone (Topical Application Route) Print. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Precautions; Portions of this document last. ECOLAB HYDROCORTISONE CREAM- hydrocortisone 1.0% cream Under Review - Editing is pending for RxNorm. If in scope, these drugs will include RxNorm normal forms when editing is complete. Shop for Hydrocortisone in First Aid. Buy products such as Equate Hydrocortisone 1% Anti-Itch Cream Plus 10 Moisturizers, relieves itching associated with poison ivy, oak, sumac; insect bites and other minor skin irritations, inflammation and rashes, 4 oz at Walmart and save.
2. Key facts
- Do not use hydrocortisone skin creams in children under 10 years old unless their doctor recommends it.
- Never put hydrocortisone skin creams on your face unless your doctor says it's ok and has given you a prescription for it. It can make some skin problems of the face worse - such as impetigo, rosacea and acne.
- Creams you can buy are not supposed to be used on the eyes, around the bottom or genitals, or on broken or infected skin.
- If you buy hydrocortisone cream from a pharmacy or shop, don't use it for longer than a week.
- Most hydrocortisone creams are mild and you can buy them from pharmacies and shops. They're called by brand names such as Dermacort, Dioderm, Boots Bite and Sting Relief Hydrocortisone, Derma Care Hydrocortisone, Hc45, Zenoxone, Pinewood Bites and Stings Relief 1% cream, Lanocort and Mildison Lipocream 1% cream.
- Hydrocortisone butyrate cream, ointment or lotion is stronger and is only available on prescription. It may be called by the brand name Locoid.
3. Who can and can't use hydrocortisone skin creams
Most adults and children can use hydrocortisone skin creams.
However, don't use hydrocortisone skin products on children under 10 years old unless their doctor recommends it.
Hydrocortisone skin cream isn't suitable for some people. Tell your pharmacist or doctor before starting the medicine if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any other medicine in the past
- have a skin infection (including eye infections)
- are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you're breastfeeding
4. How and when to use them
Hydrocortisone skin creams come in different strengths that vary from 0.1% (1mg hydrocortisone in each gram of cream) to 2.5% (25mg hydrocortisone in each gram of cream).
Where to get it - GP or pharmacy?
You can only buy hydrocortisone cream up to a maximum 1% strength from a pharmacy. Cream from a pharmacy should only be used for:
- contact dermatitis from allergies or chemicals
- reactions to insect bites and stings
Stronger creams are only available on prescription for long-term skin problems such as:
Creams for nappy rash and other skin problems in children under 10 years old are only available on prescription.
When you start to use hydrocortisone cream, follow the instructions from your pharmacist, doctor or the patient information leaflet in the medicine packet. They will tell you how much to use and how often.
Most people only need to use hydrocortisone cream once or twice a day for a week or two. If you use it twice a day, try to leave a gap of 8 to 12 hours between times.
Cream, ointment or lotion?
There are different types of hydrocortisone skin products. Creams are most common, but there are also hydrocortisone ointments and lotions.
As a general rule:
- hydrocortisone cream is better for skin which is moist and weepy with clear or yellow fluid
- hydrocortisone ointment is thicker and greasier - it's better for dry or flaky areas of skin
- hydrocortisone lotion is a liquid - it's good for treating the scalp and large or hairy areas of skin
How much to put on
Sometimes, the amount of cream you're told to use is measured in fingertip units. This is the amount of cream you can squeeze onto your fingertip.
As a general rule, a fingertip unit of cream should be enough to treat an area of skin that's double the size of the flat of your hand.
For babies and children, the right amount of cream depends on their age. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
How to put it on
- Spread the cream in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
- Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows until it disappears.
- Be careful not to get the cream into broken skin or cuts.
- Wash your hands afterwards (unless it's your hands that you're treating).
- Use the cream on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
How long to use it for
For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you'll probably only need to use hydrocortisone cream for up to a week.
For long term skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use the cream for longer. Tuxera ntfs 2015 3.
Using it with other skin creams
Don't put on hydrocortisone at the same time as other creams or ointments such as your, or your child's, usual moisturiser. Wait at least 10 minutes between using hydrocortisone and any other product. Ideally, use different skin products at different times of the day.
If you're using a dressing like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting hydrocortisone on. This helps to prevent side effects.
What if I forget to put it on?
If you forget to use your cream, don't worry, just do it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until it's within a few hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal routine.
5. Side effects
Mild hydrocortisone creams are very safe. Most people don't have any side effects when they use them for less than 4 weeks.
Some people get a burning or stinging feeling for a few minutes when they put the cream on their skin. This stops happening after you've been using the cream for a few days.
Serious side effects
You're more likely to have a serious side effect if you use a strong hydrocortisone cream (such as hydrocortisone butyrate) or if you use hydrocortisone cream over a large patch of skin for a long time.
Side effects to the skin
If you have a skin infection, using a hydrocortisone cream can make it worse and cause it to spread.
Using hydrocortisone cream for many months at a time can cause your skin to thin or give you stretch marks. Stretch marks are likely to be permanent, but they usually fade over time.
Stop using the cream and tell your doctor straight away if your skin:
- becomes redder
- has white patches
- weeps yellow fluid
Teacode 1 0 1 Hydrocortisone Cream Usp
These can be signs of a new or worsening skin infection.
Side effects in the rest of the body
Very rarely, hydrocortisone from a skin cream gets through the skin into the bloodstream to cause side effects in other parts of your body.
Stop using the cream and tell your doctor straight away if you get:
- a very upset stomach or vomiting, very bad dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, loss of appetite and weight loss - these can be signs of adrenal gland problems
- confused, sleepy, more thirsty, more hungry, peeing more often, flushing, breathing quickly or having breath that smells like fruit - these can be signs of high blood sugar
Children and teenagers
In rare cases, using hydrocortisone skin cream for a long time can slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers.
Your child's doctor will watch their growth carefully while they're using hydrocortisone cream. That way the doctor can pick up any slowing of growth quickly and change your child's treatment if necessary.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of your child using hydrocortisone cream if you're concerned.
Serious allergic reaction
It's extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to hydrocortisone skin products but if this happens to you, contact a doctor straight away.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you're wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Teacode 1 0 1 Hydrocortisone Cream 2%
These are not all the side effects of hydrocortisone skin creams. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Information: Clearview 1 9 5 – tabbed style ebook reader. You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.
6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Mild hydrocortisone creams that you buy from a pharmacy are safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
As a precaution, if you're breastfeeding, wash off any cream you put on your breasts before feeding your baby.
Hydrocortisone butyrate is not normally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Only use this treatment if a dermatologist (skin specialist) prescribes it and supervises your treatment.
Important
Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.
7. Cautions with other medicines
It's very unlikely that other medicines - either prescribed or ones you buy from a pharmacy or shop - will interfere with the way hydrocortisone skin products work.
Important
For safety, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.
8. Common questions
Hydrocortisone creams contain the active ingredient hydrocortisone which is a corticosteroid or 'steroid'. Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation in the skin.
The skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes various chemicals to be released in the skin. These make blood vessels widen and the irritated skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and painful.
Hydrocortisone acts inside the skin cells to stop the release of these chemicals. This reduces the swelling, redness and itching.
Your skin should start to get better after you've used the cream for a few days.
That depends on why you're using it.
For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you'll probably only need to use hydrocortisone cream for up to a week.
For long term skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use the cream for longer.
To lessen the risk of side effects your doctor may recommend that you only use hydrocortisone creams for a few weeks at a time. Once your skin is better, use moisturisers to keep it from becoming inflamed again.
Don't use a hydrocortisone skin cream on your face unless a doctor says you should and has given you a prescription for it.
The skin on your face is delicate so if hydrocorticosone cream damages it, it's particularly noticeable.
Also, some common skin problems that affect the face, such as impetigo, rosacea and acne, can be made worse by hydrocortisone.
As a general rule, once your skin has settled down your doctor will recommend that you stop using this medicine.
Using hydrocortisone skin cream continuously for a long time can mean some of the medicine gets into your bloodstream. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects.
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using hydrocortisone skin cream.
Teacode 1 0 1 Hydrocortisone Cream Over The Counter
No, you can eat and drink normally while using hydrocortisone skin cream.
Using hydrocortisone cream doesn't stop you or your child having vaccinations.
But tell the healthcare professional that you're using hydrocortisone cream so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of your skin.
Hydrocortisone creams have no effect on the fertility of men or women.
Hydrocortisone creams do not interfere with any types of contraception including the combined pill or the emergency contraception.
Active substance(s): HYDROCORTISONE MICRONISED
PDF options: View FullscreenDownload PDF
PDF Transcript
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.
It gives you important information about your medicine.
If you want to know more, or you are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Keep the leaflet until you have finished the medicine.
WHAT'S IN YOUR MEDICINE
Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP contains 1.0% w/w of the active ingredient Hydrocortisone.
The cream also contains cetomacrogol 1000, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, liquid paraffin, white soft
paraffin, purified water.
Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP is available in pack sizes of *.
Your cream is made by Actavis, Barnstaple, EX32 8NS, UK who are also the Marketing Authorisation
holder.
ABOUT YOUR MEDICINE
Hydrocortisone is one of a group of medicines called mild topical corticosteroids. These medicines work by
calming the inflammation that occurs during certain skin conditions or reactions.
Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP may be used for treating various skin conditions including:
Eczema
Dermatitis, including intertrigo (irritation between skin folds)
Insect bite reactions
Inflammation of the external ear (otitis externa)
Prurigo nodularis- a long term skin problem where very itchy lumps appear
Neurodermatoses- long term skin problems where areas resembling lichen may appear
Nappy rash, where no infection exists, or if it does, it is being treated with appropriate antibiotics.
BEFORE USING YOUR MEDICINE
Do not use Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream if you:
Have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any of the ingredients in the cream. An allergic
reaction may include a rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis
and chlorocresol which may cause allergic reactions, in some people.
Are suffering from skin conditions caused by infections, which are not being treated with appropriate
antibiotics, including impetigo, cold sores, chicken pox, herpes, ringworm, athlete’s foot or thrush.
Have scabies mite, rosacea (puffiness and reddening of the nose and cheek areas of the face) or
dermatitis around the mouth area.
Take special care with Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream if you:
Are treating a child. Long term use in children is not recommended. Do not use under a nappy or airtight
dressing for more than five to seven days in young children.
Are applying the cream to the face. Avoid using the cream for longer than your doctor has told you to.
Take particular care to keep the cream from getting in your eyes.
Have a skin infection. If the condition appears to be getting worse despite using antibiotics prescribed by
your doctor, stop using the cream and contact your doctor.
Have psoriasis.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
whilst using hydrocortisone, tell your doctor immediately.
Other precautions you should take:
If you see another doctor or go into hospital, let them know what medicines you are taking or using.
USING YOUR MEDICINE
Follow your doctor’s instructions. Check the pharmacy label to see how often to apply the cream and how
much to apply. If you are still unsure ask your pharmacist or doctor.
The usual dosage(s) are described below.
For application to skin.
Adults
Gently apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) two or three
times daily.
Children
and
Infants
Gently apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) two or three
times daily.
Avoid using for more than five to seven days at a time .
If you use more Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream than you should
Do not use the cream more often or for longer than your doctor tells you to.
Do not use larger quantities than told by your doctor or pharmacist, as this will increase the possibility of
side effects.
If you accidentally use too much on a few occasions do not worry.
If you accidentally swallow some cream, small amounts are not harmful.
If you forget to use Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream
If you forget to use the cream, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to apply the next
dose.
AFTER APPLYING YOUR MEDICINE
Like all medicines, Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.
If the following happens, stop using Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP and tell your doctor immediately or
contact the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
An allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
contact dermatitis – localised rash or irritation to the skin
This is a very serious but rare side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Using more than the correct amount of cream may:
Thin the skin so it damages easily
Allow the active ingredient to pass through the skin and affect other parts of the body, especially in
infants and children, and during pregnancy, and if used under a nappy or airtight dressing.
In rare cases, a change in the colour of skin, or increased growth of hair in areas where the cream is used
may occur.
If you feel unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand, contact your doctor as soon as
possible.
STORING YOUR MEDICINE
Do not use the cream after the end of the expiry month (use by date) shown on the product packaging.
Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.
Do not transfer the cream to another container.
Keep Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP out of the reach and sight of children in a secure place.
Remember that this medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them,
even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Return all unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
If you would like a leaflet with larger text, please contact 01271
311257.
Further information:
More information on managing skin conditions may be obtained from:
National Eczema Society
Unit 26, Imex Business Centre,
Balme Road
Cleckheaton
BD19 4EZ.
Skin Care Campaign
112 St Martins Lane
London
WC2N 4AZ
Date leaflet last revised: January 2012
*Pack sizes:15g, 30g and 50g
(Only the marketed pack size/s will be stated on the final version)
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.
It gives you important information about your medicine.
If you want to know more, or you are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Keep the leaflet until you have finished the medicine.
WHAT'S IN YOUR MEDICINE
Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP contains 1.0% w/w of the active ingredient Hydrocortisone.
The cream also contains cetomacrogol 1000, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, liquid paraffin, white soft
paraffin, purified water.
Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP is available in pack sizes of *.
Your cream is made by Actavis, Barnstaple, EX32 8NS, UK who are also the Marketing Authorisation
holder.
ABOUT YOUR MEDICINE
Hydrocortisone is one of a group of medicines called mild topical corticosteroids. These medicines work by
calming the inflammation that occurs during certain skin conditions or reactions.
Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP may be used for treating various skin conditions including:
Eczema
Dermatitis, including intertrigo (irritation between skin folds)
Insect bite reactions
Inflammation of the external ear (otitis externa)
Prurigo nodularis- a long term skin problem where very itchy lumps appear
Neurodermatoses- long term skin problems where areas resembling lichen may appear
Nappy rash, where no infection exists, or if it does, it is being treated with appropriate antibiotics.
BEFORE USING YOUR MEDICINE
Do not use Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream if you:
Have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any of the ingredients in the cream. An allergic
reaction may include a rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis
and chlorocresol which may cause allergic reactions, in some people.
Are suffering from skin conditions caused by infections, which are not being treated with appropriate
antibiotics, including impetigo, cold sores, chicken pox, herpes, ringworm, athlete’s foot or thrush.
Have scabies mite, rosacea (puffiness and reddening of the nose and cheek areas of the face) or
dermatitis around the mouth area.
Take special care with Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream if you:
Are treating a child. Long term use in children is not recommended. Do not use under a nappy or airtight
dressing for more than five to seven days in young children.
Are applying the cream to the face. Avoid using the cream for longer than your doctor has told you to.
Take particular care to keep the cream from getting in your eyes.
Have a skin infection. If the condition appears to be getting worse despite using antibiotics prescribed by
your doctor, stop using the cream and contact your doctor.
Have psoriasis.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
whilst using hydrocortisone, tell your doctor immediately.
Other precautions you should take:
If you see another doctor or go into hospital, let them know what medicines you are taking or using.
USING YOUR MEDICINE
Follow your doctor’s instructions. Check the pharmacy label to see how often to apply the cream and how
much to apply. If you are still unsure ask your pharmacist or doctor.
The usual dosage(s) are described below.
For application to skin.
Adults
Gently apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) two or three
times daily.
Children
and
Infants
Gently apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) two or three
times daily.
Avoid using for more than five to seven days at a time .
If you use more Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream than you should
Do not use the cream more often or for longer than your doctor tells you to.
Do not use larger quantities than told by your doctor or pharmacist, as this will increase the possibility of
side effects.
If you accidentally use too much on a few occasions do not worry.
If you accidentally swallow some cream, small amounts are not harmful.
If you forget to use Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream
If you forget to use the cream, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to apply the next
dose.
AFTER APPLYING YOUR MEDICINE
Like all medicines, Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.
If the following happens, stop using Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP and tell your doctor immediately or
contact the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
An allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
contact dermatitis – localised rash or irritation to the skin
This is a very serious but rare side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Using more than the correct amount of cream may:
Thin the skin so it damages easily
Allow the active ingredient to pass through the skin and affect other parts of the body, especially in
infants and children, and during pregnancy, and if used under a nappy or airtight dressing.
In rare cases, a change in the colour of skin, or increased growth of hair in areas where the cream is used
may occur.
If you feel unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand, contact your doctor as soon as
possible.
STORING YOUR MEDICINE
Do not use the cream after the end of the expiry month (use by date) shown on the product packaging.
Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.
Do not transfer the cream to another container.
Keep Hydrocortisone 1.0% Cream BP out of the reach and sight of children in a secure place.
Remember that this medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them,
even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Return all unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
If you would like a leaflet with larger text, please contact 01271
311257.
Further information:
More information on managing skin conditions may be obtained from:
National Eczema Society
Unit 26, Imex Business Centre,
Balme Road
Cleckheaton
BD19 4EZ.
Skin Care Campaign
112 St Martins Lane
London
WC2N 4AZ
Date leaflet last revised: January 2012
*Pack sizes:15g, 30g and 50g
(Only the marketed pack size/s will be stated on the final version)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.