What is Hydrocortisone and lidocaine?
Hydrocortisone reduces the effects of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.Lidocaine works as a local anesthetic. It blocks nerve signals within your body.The combination of hydrocortisone (for the skin) and lidocaine (for the eyes) is used to relieve itching caused by allergies, eczema, or minor skin conditions such as insect bites and minor burns.The rectum can be treated with hydrocortisone rectal and lidocaine to relieve itching, swelling, or inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for hydrocortisone or lidocaine topical or rectal.
Side effects of Hydrocortisone and lidocaine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.If you experience severe skin irritation or swelling, stop using hydrocortisone. Call your doctor immediately.
Topical steroids can be absorbed through the skin, causing side effects in other parts of the body. You should tell your doctor if:
- Weight gain (especially on your face, upper back, or torso);
- Slow wound healing, thinned skin, increased body hair
- Changes in sexual function, irregular menstrual cycles,
- Feeling irritable, tired, or depressed
Some of the common side effects associated with hydrocortisone or lidocaine include:
- 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. Reaching out to the FDA can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088 if side effects occur.
Similar/related drugs
hydroxyzine, hydrocortisone topical, benadryl, diphenhydramine, lidocaine topical, topical phenylephrine, and anusol-HC
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if you're allergic to hydrocortisone, any type of numbing medication, tuberculosis, or have a fungal infection on the skin or simplex herpes.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, see your physician immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following conditions, you should not use lidocaine and hydrocortisone:
- A fungal skin infection;
- Herpes simplex
- Chickenpox
Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver disease
- A problem with the heart's rhythm.
This medicine is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.This medicine should not be used on children without the doctor's approval. Hydrocortisone, lidocaine, and other drugs have a stronger effect on children.
How to take Hydrocortisone and lidocaine?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.This medicine should not be taken by mouth. Use this medicine only on your skin or in the rectum.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.If you are unsure about anything regarding the instructions for taking medication, consult your physician or pharmacist immediately.You should wash your hands both before and after using this medication, unless it is to treat an infection of the hand.Rub a small amount (less than a teaspoon) of topical hydrocortisone with lidocaine on the affected skin area.Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. If you cover the skin, the drug will be absorbed more quickly by your skin. This can lead to unwanted side effects.
You may absorb the medicine if it is applied too heavily or to large areas of skin or skin that has been cut or irritated.Use only the applicator provided with the medication to get the best results.If your symptoms don't improve, get worse, or you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or oozing, call your doctor.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for pruritus:
Topical creams or lotions: Apply a thin layer to the affected area, 2 to 3 times per day, depending on severity.
Fill the applicator twice daily and gently insert it into the anal area. Apply cream to all affected areas by gently squeezing the applicator.
Adult dose for hemorrhoids:
Topical creams or lotions: Apply a thin layer to the affected area, 2 to 3 times per day, depending on severity.
Fill the applicator twice daily and gently insert it into the anal area. Apply cream to all affected areas by gently squeezing the applicator.
Usual pediatric dose for pruritus:
As directed by your physician, apply topical lotion or cream in an amount that is commensurate with the age, weight, and condition of the affected area.
The usual pediatric dose for hemorrhoids:
As directed by your physician, apply topical cream or lotion in a quantity commensurate with the age, weight, and condition of the affected area.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for your doses, as hydrocortisone or lidocaine are used only when necessary. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdoses of hydrocortisone or lidocaine are unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms. High doses of hydrocortisone can cause thinning of the skin, easy bruises, changes in body weight (especially on your face, neck, and back), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should be avoided?
Avoid applying the medicine to skin that has blisters or is raw, such as severe burns or abrasions. Use only on areas of the body with thin or folded skin.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.Avoid other medications containing hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or other numbing drugs such as prilocaine. Do not use any other skin medication unless you have been told to by your doctor.
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 providers of all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
