Hydrocortisone topical

CORTIZONE-10

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Pronunciation: hye-droe-KOR-ti-soen

Hydrocortisone topical ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Hydrocortisone topical ballicule

What it isTopical glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid agonist; mild eczema, dermatitis, and inflammatory itching.

Why this oneIts low potency and OTC availability make it the topical steroid of choice for thin skin and sensitive sites.

What limits itProlonged, occluded, or extensive use causes skin atrophy and can suppress the adrenal axis; infection may be masked.

Hydrocortisone topical molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Hydrocortisone topical

Hydrocortisone topical prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Corticosteroids (topical) (1952–2026). Hydrocortisone topical enters in 1952 (estimated).

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger1 / 4

Weight-gain liability2 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Temporary relief of itching from minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes (eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, insect bites, poison ivy/oak/sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, jewelry)	Adults & children ≥2 yr	Apply a thin layer to the affected area	Apply a thin layer to the affected area	3–4 times daily

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Instructions

Apply a thin layer to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
For external use only; do not use in the eyes
Do not use on large areas of the body; do not tightly bandage or cover the treated area unless directed by a doctor
Children under 2 years: do not use, consult a doctor

Available strengths

cream 0.2, 1, 2.5 %
tab 5, 10, 20 mg
granules 0.5, 1, 2, 5 mg
sol 2.5 %
sol 1 mg/mL
susp 100 mg/60 mL
enema 100 mg/60 mL
foam 1500 mg/15 g
+ 16 other marketed forms not shown

Contraindications

Do not use in the eyes
Do not use for treatment of diaper rash unless directed by a doctor
Do not use for genital or feminine itching if you have a vaginal discharge

Cautions

For external use only
Ask a doctor before use if using any other hydrocortisone product
Do not use more than directed, on large areas, or tightly bandage/cover unless directed
Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens, symptoms persist more than 7 days, symptoms clear and recur within a few days, or irritation develops

Adverse reactions

Local irritation (stop use if it develops)

Pregnancy Undefined

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Hydrocortisone topical (CORTIZONE-10)

Strength		#/mo	CostPlus
0.2 %	cream	per unit	not offered
1 %	cream	per unit	not offered
2.5 %	cream	per unit	not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Hydrocortisone topical is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Other forms: Hydrocortisone (CORTEF cortisol)

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Self-check

Why does topical hydrocortisone suit thin or sensitive skin?
Low potency.
What can prolonged or occluded topical hydrocortisone do to the adrenal axis?
Suppress it.