Lokoid ointment is used in the treatment of diseases such as psoriasis, as well as unspecified, atopic and contact dermatitis. The main active ingredient in this drug is hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, liquid paraffin is used as a base, and ointment is used as an external agent. Lokoid ointment is available in aluminum tubes, which also have an aluminum membrane. It has a uniform shape, greasy to the touch, translucent, the color can be from white to light gray.
Lokoid ointment is characterized by local anti-inflammatory, as well as antipruritic and decongestant action. After applying the ointment to the body, the active substance gradually accumulates in the upper layers of the skin, namely in the epidermis, the systemic absorption of this ointment is negligible. A small amount of hydrocortisone 17-butyrate is also absorbed into the systemic circulation unchanged.
Lokoid ointment, or rather its active substance, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, is metabolized to hydrocortisone, as well as other metabolites, directly in the epidermis and after that in the liver. The resulting metabolites and also part of the unchanged active substance are excreted through the intestines and kidneys.
Lokoid ointment - application
If you use the indicated ointment in the recommended amounts, then the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system is not suppressed. Improper use of the drug or its use in large quantities and a long period of time even under occlusive dressings gradually leads to an increase in the amount of cortisol in the blood plasma, but very rarely causes a decrease in the reactivity of the pituitary-adrenal system. After canceling the use of this drug, everything quickly returns to normal.
Lokoid is used for various superficial uninfected skin diseases. These include such types of dermatitis as seborrheic, contact, atopic; eczema and psoriasis.
Contraindications to the use of this drug
All cases when the human body is hypersensitive to hydrocortisone or other components of the drug, as well as in the presence of bacterial infections of the skin, for example, gram-negative follicle, strepto- and staphyloderma, and others. Also, the use of the drug is not allowed if a person has viral, fungal and parasitic skin infections, tuberculous lesions, as well as syphilitic lesions of the skin, any tumors and in the post-vaccination period. Caution is necessary to use the drug in the presence of wounds or ulcers on the patient’s skin and is not recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, corticosteroids penetrate the fetus through the placenta, which is especially pronounced when treating large areas of the skin.
Side effects
They can be expressed in irritation of the skin. If the drug is taken for a long time, then side effects may appear that are characteristic of all systemic corticosteroids. The use of Lokoid causes side effects much less frequently than the use of fluorinated steroids. Currently, there is no data on an overdose of this drug.
The drug is applied to the affected areas of the skin up to 3 times a day with a thin layer, in order for the drug to work better, when applying it, it is necessary to perform massaging movements. During the week, do not use more than 60 grams of the drug.
The drug is not applied around the eyes so as not to provoke the development of glaucoma, and if it is constantly exposed to the conjunctiva, intraocular pressure may increase . On the hairline of the body, for example on the head, in the genital area, it is better to use Lokoid cream.
"Lokoid" ointment, analogues of which "Lokoid Krelo" and "Lokoid Lipokrem" also have a quick decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic effect, but have a milder effect, sold without a doctor’s prescription.