Hydrocortisone ointment is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid drug for external use. This drug is a decongestant, antipruritic and anti-inflammatory drug. It has an inhibitory effect on the release of cytokines (interferon and interleukins) from macrophages and leukocytes. Thus, the production of inflammatory mediators is suppressed , the synthesis of prostaglandins and the metabolism of arachidonic acid are disrupted. Stimulation of glucosteroid receptors can increase the induction of lipocortin formation. Reduces inflammatory inflammatory cell infiltrates, reduces the level of migration of leukocytes, as well as lymphocytes to the area of inflammation. In case of administration and administration in recommended doses, it does not cause systematic side effects.
Hydrocortisone ointment - pharmacokinetics
Ointment (after application) tends to accumulate in the epidermis (mainly in the granular layer). Metabolization occurs directly in the epidermis layer, later in the liver. Excretion occurs through the kidneys and intestines.
Hydrocortisone ointment - instructions for use
The ointment is prescribed for skin diseases of an allergic and inflammatory nature of a non-microbial etiology, as well as those accompanied by itching. It can be eczema, dermatitis - allergic and contact type. It is also recommended for neurodermatitis, pruritus, psoriasis, insect bites, erythroderma, seborrhea, and so on.
Among the contraindications there is an increased sensitivity to the basis of the drug - hydrocortisone, or to its other components. Also, it is not recommended for use in wound and ulcerative lesions of the skin. Including, with skin diseases - bacterial, viral and fungal in nature. Contraindicated in tuberculosis and syphilitic skin lesions. Do not use this ointment for acne vulgaris, perioral dermatitis, rosacea, skin tumors and so on. Hydrocortisone ointment for children under two years of age and women in pregnancy is contraindicated.
Hydrocortisone ointment should be used with extreme caution during lactation, with diabetes and tuberculosis.
Dosage and administration
A thin layer of ointment is applied to the affected area of the skin at least two to three times a day. Depending on the nature of the disease and the effectiveness of therapy, the course of treatment lasts from six to fourteen days. In turn, with a stubborn, severe course of the disease, the course is extended to twenty days. For a more pronounced effect on limited foci, the use of occlusive dressings is possible. For children aged two years or more, it is necessary to limit the duration of treatment to two weeks. Measures that increase the level of steroid absorption, i.e. warming, occlusal, and fixative dressings, should be excluded.
Hydrocortisone ointment - side effects
With a sufficiently long-term use, there is a risk of developing secondary skin lesions of an infectious nature, as well as changes in the atrophic type and hypertrichosis. With prolonged use of occlusive dressings, especially in areas with a large area of damage, the development of symptoms of hypercorticism is fraught. There is a likelihood of developing hyperglycemia, glucosoria, reversible inhibition of adrenal cortex functions and other similar manifestations, including Cushing's syndrome. These manifestations arise due to the resorptive action of the hormone hydrocortisone. In such cases, it is recommended to gradually cancel this ointment.
special instructions
Prescribing the drug to children under twelve years of age occurs only under the supervision of a physician. If within seven days of using the drug there is no improvement or deterioration occurs, stop using the ointment and consult a specialist.