Lokoid ointment belongs to the category of glucocorticosteroid preparations for local use. The active ingredient is hydrocortisone 17-butyrate. The drug has a fairly quick anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and decongestant effect.
Therapeutic dosages of the drug do not inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. The use of the drug "Lokoid" in large quantities for a long time can contribute to an increase in the concentration of cortisol in plasma.
After application, the drug begins to accumulate in the epidermis, especially in the granular layer. Systemic absorption of the drug is negligible.
The metabolism of the active substance occurs in the epidermis, and then in the liver.
Hydrocortisone and other decay products, as well as a small amount of the unchanged active component, are excreted by the kidneys and intestines.
Ointment "Lokoid" instruction recommends for psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis (seborrheic, atopic and contact, including).
It was found that hydrocortisone 17-butyrate crosses the placenta. Negative effects may be more pronounced when using the product in large areas. In this regard, the drug "Lokoid" during pregnancy is used with extreme caution (on the recommendation of a doctor and under strict control).
It is not established whether the active ingredient is able to penetrate into milk. Thus, the advisability of using the drug during lactation is determined by the doctor.
Ointment "Lokoid" instruction does not allow for appointment with viral, fungal, parasitic, bacterial infections of the skin. Contraindications include shingles, gram-negative folliculitis, chicken pox, streptoderma, herpes simplex, staphyloderma. Lokoid ointment does not recommend instructions for syphilitic and tuberculous skin lesions, neoplastic changes in the cover (benign or malignant neoplasms). Do not prescribe medication for perioral dermatitis, rosacea, acne. Lokoid ointment instruction does not recommend to be applied to areas with damaged integrity of the cover (wounds or ulcers). Do not prescribe a remedy in the post-vaccination period.
The drug is used externally.
Lokoid ointment is especially recommended in the presence of dryness, infiltration (accumulation of fluid) and lichenification (skin tightening).
Apply the medicine no more than three times a day. The tool is applied to problem areas with a thin layer. With a decrease in the severity of manifestations, the frequency of use can be reduced to two to three times during the week.
You can enhance the penetration of the drug with light massaging movements.
On dense psoriatic plaques on the knees, elbow areas after treatment with ointment, the use of occlusive dressings is allowed.
The dosage of the drug per week is not more than thirty to sixty grams.
Lokoid can cause local reactions in the form of irritation.
With prolonged use in large areas or the use of occlusion, the development of manifestations characteristic of the influence of systemic glucocorticosteroids is likely.
It is not recommended to apply the medicine to the periorbital zone, due to the likelihood of glaucoma. Regular penetration of Lokoid ointment into the conjunctiva provokes an increase in intraocular pressure.
It is not recommended to use the medicine on the scalp, as well as with acute inflammation on the skin.
About the drug "Lokoid" reviews are different. Some patients report a lack of result after treatment. There is evidence that the drug has only a temporary effect, reducing the intensity of symptoms during the treatment period. Some patients talk about the effectiveness of the drug.
The use of the drug "Lokoid" should be agreed with the doctor. Before use, it is recommended that you read the annotation.