Drug Action
Hydrocortisone has equal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity.
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Drug reference
Hydrocortisone has equal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity.
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Mild inflammatory skin disorders such as eczemas ▶TO THE SKIN ▶Child: Apply 1–2 times a day, to be applied thinly ▶Adult: Apply 1–2 times a day, to be applied thinly Nappy rash ▶TO THE SKIN ▶Child: Apply 1–2 times a day for no longer than 1 week, discontinued as soon as the inflammation subsides POTENCY ▶Hydrocortisone cream and ointment 0.5 to 2.5%: mild
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When hydrocortisone cream or ointment is prescribed and no strength is stated, the 1% strength should be supplied. Although Dioderm ® contains only 0.1% hydrocortisone, the formulation is designed to provide a clinical activity comparable to that of Hydrocortisone Cream 1% BP.
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Over-the-counter hydrocortisone preparations Skin creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone (alone or with other ingredients) can be sold to the public for the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, insect bite reactions and mild to moderate eczema in patients over 10 years, to be applied sparingly over the affected area 1–2 times daily for max. 1 week. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone preparations should not be sold without medical advice for children under 10 years or for pregnant women; they should not be sold for application to the face, anogenital region, broken or infected skin (including cold sores, acne, and athlete’s foot).
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→Appendix 1: corticosteroids
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Forms available from special-order manufacturers include: cream, ointment Cream CAUTIONARY AND ADVISORY LABELS 28 EXCIPIENTS: May contain Benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol (including cetyl and stearyl alcohol), hydroxybenzoates (parabens), propylene glycol ▶Hydrocortisone (Non-proprietary) Hydrocortisone 5 mg per 1 gram Hydrocortisone 0.5% cream | 15 gram P £44.00 DT = £1.22 | 30 gram P £2.44–£88.00 Hydrocortisone 10 mg per 1 gram Hydrocortisone 1% cream | 15 gram P £18.88 DT = £1.06 | 30 gram P £29.32 DT = £2.12 | 50 gram P £44.12 DT = £3.53 Hydrocortisone 25 mg per 1 gram Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream | 15 gram P £44.00 DT = £4.99 | 30 gram P £9.98–£88.00 ▶Dioderm (Dermal Laboratories Ltd) Hydrocortisone 1 mg per 1 gram Dioderm 0.1% cream | 30 gram P £2.39 DT = £2.39 ▶Mildison Lipocream (Karo Pharma) Hydrocortisone 10 mg per 1 gram Mildison Lipocream 1% cream | 30 gram P £1.71 DT = £2.12 Ointment CAUTIONARY AND ADVISORY LABELS 28 ▶Hydrocortisone (Non-proprietary) Hydrocortisone 5 mg per 1 gram Hydrocortisone 0.5% ointment | 15 gram P £44.00 DT = £44.00 | 30 gram P £88.00 Hydrocortisone 10 mg per 1 gram Hydrocortisone 1% ointment | 15 gram P £16.55 DT = £1.30 | 30 gram P £24.96 DT = £2.60 | 50 gram P £39.41 DT = £4.33 Hydrocortisone 25 mg per 1 gram Hydrocortisone 2.5% ointment | 15 gram P £44.00 DT = £24.48 | 30 gram P £48.96–£88.00 Combinations available: Hydrocortisone with benzalkonium chloride, dimeticone and nystatin, p. 1316. Hydrocortisone with chlorhexidine hydrochloride and nystatin, p. 1317. Hydrocortisone with clotrimazole, p. 1317. Hydrocortisone with fusidic acid, p. 1317. Hydrocortisone with miconazole, p. 1318. Hydrocortisone with oxytetracycline, p. 1318 eiiii F 1308 Skin
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Patient counselling is advised for hydrocortisone cream and ointment (application). l PROFESSION SPECIFIC INFORMATION Dental practitioners’ formulary Hydrocortisone Cream 1% 15 g may be prescribed.
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Apply 1–2 times a day, to be applied thinly
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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Apply 1–2 times a day, to be applied thinly
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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Apply 1–2 times a day for no longer than 1 week,
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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