What is Hydrocortisone and pramoxine?
Hydrocortisone is a type of steroid. It inhibits the action of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.Pramoxine, also known as "numbing medication", is an anesthetic.These medications work by blocking pain signals sent from nerves to the brain.Combination medicine Hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical (for skin) are used to treat itching caused by allergies, eczema minor, insect bites, or other skin conditions.The rectum can be treated with hydrocortisone or pramoxine to reduce itching and swelling due to hemorrhoids or other inflammation.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for pramoxine and hydrocortisone topical.
Side effects of Hydrocortisone and pramoxine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you experience any of these symptoms of too much medicine absorbed through your skin:
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- Mood changes
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- High sugar. (increased thirst, increased urination or hunger, dry mouth)fruity breath smell, weight gain).
- Weight gain can cause puffiness on your face.
- Feeling tired and having achy muscles
If you experience rectal bleeding or severe skin irritation, stop using the medication and contact your doctor.
Some of the common side effects associated with hydrocortisone or pramoxine include:
- Mild redness or swelling on the treated skin
- Thinned skin after treatment
- Numbness in areas of accidental application
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to pramoxine, hydrocortisone, or any other "numbing medicine" or anesthetic, then you should avoid using these drugs.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that hydrocortisone or pramoxine will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Diabetes;
- You may have problems with your vision.
- A stomach or intestinal disorder.
- A rectal sore or infection
- If you take any drug that weakens the immune system,
The topical application of hydrocortisone or pramoxine will not cure a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. You should not use the medication if you have a skin or soft tissue infection until it has been treated.FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether pramoxine and hydrocortisone will harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor.There is no way to know if hydrocortisone or pramoxine can pass into breast milk or if they could harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if a child is breastfed.This medicine should not be used on children without the doctor's approval. Topical hydrocortisone is more potent for children.
How to take Hydrocortisone and pramoxine?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for a longer period of time.If you have not checked with your doctor, do not use pramoxine or hydrocortisone to treat any conditions.You should wash your hands both before and after using this medication, unless it is hydrocortisone or pramoxine for a hand problem.Rub a small amount (about 0.1 ml) of topical hydrocortisone with pramoxine on the affected skin area.Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. If you cover the treated skin, the amount of drug that your skin absorbs can be increased. This may cause unwanted side effects. Please follow your doctor's directions.You should not take pramoxine or hydrocortisone orally. This product is only for use in the rectum.Before each use, shake the hydrocortisone/pramoxine rectal cream.
Use only the applicator that comes with the medication to get the best results. If you have not received instructions with your medication, please follow them.Use the cleansing wipes that come with your medication to clean the area before you apply the medicine.You may be absorbing too much medication if your body absorbs it in large quantities, if the skin is covered with bandages or plastic wrap, or if the skin has been treated using heat. Cut or irritated skin may absorb more topical medications than healthy skin.If your symptoms don't improve, worsen, or you experience signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and oozing, while taking hydrocortisone, call your doctor. This medication will not treat a viral, bacterial, or fungal skin infection.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.The rectal aerosol should not be refrigerated. The rectal aerosol foam canister should not be placed near an open flame or a source of high heat. If the canister gets too warm, it may explode. Empty canisters should not be punctured or burned.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for your hydrocortisone or pramoxine because they are used as needed. If you have a regular schedule, take the missed dose immediately after you remember. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning and seek immediate medical treatment.Overdoses of hydrocortisone or pramoxine are unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms. Long-term use can cause symptoms like thinning of the skin, easy bleeding, changes in body shape and location (especially on your neck, back, face, and waist), facial hair growth, impotence, or a loss of interest in sexual activity.
What should be avoided?
Do not apply the medication to swollen areas of skin or deep puncture injuries. Do not use this medicine on skin that is blistered or raw, such as severe burns or abrasions. Do not use it on areas of the body with skin folds or thinness unless you are told to by your doctor.Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, eyes, or lips. If you do get it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or lips, rinse immediately with water.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you may take orally or even inject are unlikely to have any effect on hydrocortisone or pramoxine applied topically. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
