What is Hydrocortisone topical?
Hydrocortisone topical (for skin) is a topical steroid used to treat inflammation and itching due to skin conditions that respond to steroid medications.Hydrocortisone is available in many different brands and forms. This leaflet does not list all brands.This medication guide does not list all uses of hydrocortisone topical.
Side effects of Hydrocortisone topical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.
The topical hydrocortisone may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- Skin conditions are worsening;
- Redness, heat, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation on any skin treated
- Dry mouth; fruity breath smell; high sugar
- Possible signs of hydrocortisone topical absorption through the skin include: weight gain (especially on your face, upper back, and torso); discolored or thinning skin; increased hair; and muscle weakness. Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and mood changes.
You may experience mild to no adverse side effects at all.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Cosentyx, Entyvio, Stelara, Taltz, Zeposia, Colazal, and Simponi
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions, allergies or medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to hydrocortisone, it is best not to use the topical.
Inform your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- Any type of skin infection
- A skin reaction to steroid medicines;
- Liver disease
- An adrenal gland disorder is a condition that affects the adrenal gland.
Steroids can cause glucose levels to increase in the blood or urine. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes.You should not administer hydrocortisone to children younger than 2 without consulting a doctor.Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.Avoid areas where the mouth of your baby may be in contact with hydrocortisone.
How to take Hydrocortisone topical?
Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your doctor.Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.You should wash your hands both before and after you use hydrocortisone, unless it is to treat your skin.Rub a thin layer on the affected area of skin. Do not apply the medicine to a large surface area unless you have been told by your doctor.Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. Covering the treated area can increase the amount of medicine absorbed by your skin and cause adverse effects.Before each use, shake the lotion as well as spray it.Use only loose-fitting or plastic diapers if you're treating the diaper area.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen within seven days, stop using hydrocortisone. Call your doctor.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.Hydrocortisone in high doses can cause thinning of the skin, bruising easily, changes in body weight (especially on your face, neck, and back), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of sexual interest.
What should be avoided?
Use hydrocortisone only after consulting your doctor to treat skin conditions.Avoid getting hydrocortisone in your eyes. Rinse with water if you do.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine applied to your skin. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
