Hydrocortisone ointment 1%

Unguentum Нydrocortisoni 1%

International Non-proprietary Name

Hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Agent for the treatment of skin pathology. Glucocorticoids.

Composition

1 g of ointment contains 10 mg of hydrocortisone acetate.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacodynamics

Hydrocortisone ointment exhibits glucocorticoid, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiedemic, antipruritic action. It inhibits phospholipase А₂, interferes with prostaglandins synthesis, activation of skin kinins. Delays the migration of leucocytes and lymphocytes in inflammatory tissue.

Pharmacokinetics

After skin application it is accumulated in epidermis. The absorbed portion is metabolized in epidermis, and then in the liver. Metabolites and small portion of unchanged hydrocortisone are excreted with urine or bile.

Indications

Hydrocortisone ointment is used during a complex therapy of inflammatory and allergic skin diseases of amicrobic etiology: allergic and contact dermatitis, eczema, neuroderma titis, toxicodermatosis.

Administration and dosing regimen

Hydrocortisone ointment is applied in a thin layer on affected skin areas 2—3 times daily. The duration of treatment depends on the character of the disease and on efficacy of the therapy, as a rule it lasts 6—14 days. If the disease persists administration of hydrocortisone ointment can be prolonged for up to 20 days. In limited lesion focus in order to enhance the effect occlusive dressings can be used.

When the ointment is used in children of 1 year and above it is necessary to limit the overall treatment duration and avoid usage of calefacient, retentive and occlusive bandages.

Special indications

Excessive and frequent use of the preparation during a day can be accompanied by absorption and development of systemic side effects.

Side effects

During usage of hydrocortisone ointment the following can occur  (especially in patients with individual intolerance): flushing, water retention, pruritus in the area of lesion focus. Also when used for a prolonged period of time development of secondary infectious skin lesions, its atrophic changes, hypertrichosis can occur. In order to prevent infectious skin lesion it is recommended to use hydrocortisone ointment in conjunction with antibacterial antimycotic agents.

Contraindications

Application of hydrocortisone ointment is contraindicated during infectious skin diseases (tuberculosis, pyodermatosis, mycosis), as well as in the presence of ulcerous skin lesions and wounds. Preparation should not be used in pregnant women.

Drug interactions

Hydrocortisone decreases the activity of salicylates, cardiac glycosides potentiate hypokalemia, anabolic steroids cause the increase of tissue hydrophilicity.

Overdosage

When used for a prolonged period of time, especially on large skin areas with unpenetrable dressings manifestations of systemic action of hydrocortisone acetate can occur.

In such cases the preparation should be withdrawn.

Presentation

Ointment 1% in tubes of 10 g in tubes or jars.