Means for external application are often used in various fields of medicine. Drugs can have an antibacterial effect or be an antiseptic. Anticoagulants and healing agents are also widely used. Doctors often prescribe antihistamines. They can be in the form of a gel or cream. In this case, we will talk about what constitutes a cortisone ointment. You will learn about the method of its application and the main substitutes. It is also worth introducing readers to the reviews that those who used it leave about the drug.
Composition and general characteristics
Cortisone ointment is an antihistamine based on the action of hormones. The main active ingredient of the drug is hydrocortisone acetate. In the pharmacy chain, you can purchase an ointment with a concentration of 1 percent. This means that 100 grams of the drug contains 1 gram of the main active substance. There is also a dosage of the drug in 0.5 and 2.5 percent.
A medication may also have additional components. Cortisone ointments are dispensed without a prescription. However, it is worth remembering that the medicine refers to glucocorticosteroid drugs. The main component is normally secreted by the human adrenal glands.
Can a drug be replaced?
Cortisone ointments are generally well tolerated by consumers. The medication is subject to replacement only in exceptional cases. Many consumers, when prescribing a particular drug, try to find a medication with the same effect, but cheaper. In this situation, this is not required. After all, the cost of one package of the drug does not exceed 40 rubles.
Analogues of the drug should be selected only by a doctor. These include Kortimitsin, Kort-S, Lokoid, Latikort, Primakort and some others. All these funds can be attributed all to the same group of corticosteroids. You can also choose an analogue that does not have hormones in its composition. However, such a medicine is not always effective in eliminating a particular problem.
Indications for use
Doctors often prescribe cortisone ointment. Instructions for use informs that a good reason is required. The medicine is indicated for use in the following situations:
- inflammatory processes in the eyeball, including after surgical interventions or injuries;
- eczema and dermatitis;
- neurodermatitis and psoriasis;
- itching and redness of the skin;
- insect bites.
Instructions for use say that before starting therapy, you must definitely see a doctor. The specialist should assess the need for the use of the drug.
The opinion of doctors
Experts argue that about a drug such as cortisone ointment, the instruction does not contain complete information. There are other indications for the appointment of a medication. The medicine can be used to treat the mucous membranes of the nose. This is often necessary with medical rhinitis or an atrophic form of the common cold. Also, adenoiditis is corrected in a similar way.
Doctors strongly advise against using the described drug on their own. It must be remembered that in each individual situation an individual dosage of the drug is chosen.
Restrictions on the use of the product
If you carefully read the instructions for use, you will notice that cortisone ointment has its contraindications. You need to listen to them. Otherwise, you will not be able to benefit from the therapy.
It is forbidden to use cortisone to those who have an increased sensitivity to it. It is not allowed to use for viral infections of the skin, fungal infections. It is forbidden to apply the product on open wound surfaces.
Cortisone ointment for the eyes is not used for primary glaucoma, corneal defects, during vaccination. The medication is not allowed to be applied to the organs of vision in case of damage by viruses or fungi.
In pediatrics, the use of different forms of the drug is allowed only after 12 months.
Can I use the drug during pregnancy?
What does the instruction for use of such a drug as cortisone ointment tell? The use of this medication is undesirable during the period of gestation. The active substance has the ability to penetrate the placenta. The tool has a negative effect on the fetus only when processing large areas of the skin.
If the expected benefit to the mother is higher than the possible risk to the child, then the drug may be prescribed. However, during treatment, it is necessary to strictly monitor the condition of the woman and her future baby. The use of the drug in the form of an eye ointment has not been studied in pregnant women.
Method of application: externally
Cortisone ointment in the form of a one percent cream is applied to the surface of the affected skin. The treatment layer should be thin. Multiplicity of use - up to three times a day. The duration of therapy is an average of one to two weeks. In especially difficult situations, it is allowed to apply medication for up to 20 days. To enhance the effect and better absorption of the drug, you can use warming compresses and dressings.
When prescribing a medicine in pediatrics, the course of therapy should not exceed two weeks. It is unacceptable to strengthen the action of the component with improvised means. All this increases the risk of adverse reactions.
Eye ointment: method of use
Cortisone ointment is applied to the mucous membranes of the eye. Before using it, be sure to rinse your hands. Please note that the packaging always indicates whether it is for external use or an eye ointment. The concentration of the active substance in this type of medication is 0.5 or 2.5 percent.
Lay a thin strip of ointment for the lower eyelid, which is previously pulled by hand. Repeat the manipulation three times a day. The correction takes 14 days. If necessary, consult a doctor to extend the duration of treatment.
If you additionally use other eye drops, then it is worth taking a break between the drugs for 20 minutes. It is undesirable during the treatment period to use contact lenses for vision. Give preference to glasses.
Negative opinions: adverse reactions
Despite the fact that cortisone ointment has reviews that are mostly good, some consumers remain unhappy with the drug. Adverse reactions often occur with an overdose of the drug or its improper use. A medication can cause an allergy. Consumers say that unpleasant reactions are manifested by a secondary infection of the skin and eyes, redness, itching. Swelling may develop. In the event of the described situations, it is urgent to stop therapy and consult a doctor. Remember that prolonged use of the drug causes side effects associated with the action of corticosteroid hormones.
Cortisone ointment: reviews
Most consumers who were prescribed the drug remain with a positive opinion. The main advantage of the drug, users consider its cost. After all, for one package of medication you do not have to give more than 40 rubles. Note that the medicine in the form of an eye ointment is an order of magnitude more expensive, but has a smaller volume.
Patients say that the medicine has a rather dense consistency. After applying the drug, even with a thin strip, a protective film can be created, which, among other things, becomes an obstacle for the addition of an additional infection. Users report that the ointment has a pleasant smell. Even children will like to apply it.
Many patients are satisfied with the result of therapy. After all, the effect of treatment occurs within a few days of regular use. In this case, it is necessary to apply the composition in the smallest doses.
Doctors say that after use, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. It is concentrated in the liver. It is from there that its distribution occurs. The medication is usually excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if you have any diseases of these excretory organs, then you should consult a doctor before using the drug and correlate all the pros and cons.
Doctors do not recommend using cortisone drugs on their own. The ointment composition is simple. However, this does not at all indicate its complete safety. If there are signs of the need to use the medicine, consult your doctors. Only a doctor will be able to sensibly assess your condition and prescribe a really suitable remedy that will help in the shortest possible time. When using a cortisone ointment, its cancellation should occur gradually. Usually, the frequency of use is first reduced, after which the days of use alternate. For more information, contact your doctor.
To summarize
You learned about what cortisone ointments are. They come in several forms. Use may be external or on mucous membranes. Also, in some situations, doctors prescribe alternative treatment regimens. The drug usually has positive reviews, but there are also patients who remain dissatisfied with the therapy.
If an allergic reaction, rash or itching occurs, only a doctor can correctly diagnose it. Sometimes for this you have to take tests. Remember that the independent use of any medicines is unacceptable. Some drugs can inhibit the action of cortisone ointment. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, be sure to inform your doctor. All the best to you, do not be sick!