Pricing
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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Hydrocortisone Acetate works mainly by reducing inflammation. It also has immunosuppressant and antimitotic actions. Doctors use Hydrocortisone Acetate for primary irritant dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis, and eczema (atopic, infantile, discoid and stasis). It is also used for seborrheic dermatitis, lichen simplex and pruritus ani, and flexural psoriasis. Another use is for skin irritations, itching and rashes, for example those caused by insect bites, minor thermal burns, sunburn, etc.
Pharmacology
Hydrocortisone acetate works by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor inside the cell. Once the medicine is attached, the new receptor-ligand complex moves into the cell nucleus. There it attaches to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA-bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, and this increases the expression of specific target genes.
The anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids is thought to involve lipocortins. These are phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, and through inhibition of arachidonic acid they control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. More specifically, glucocorticoids induce the synthesis of lipocortin-1 (annexin-1). This binds to cell membranes and stops phospholipase A2 from coming into contact with its substrate, arachidonic acid, so less eicosanoid is produced. The expression of cyclooxygenase (both COX-1 and COX-2) is also suppressed, which adds to the effect. Put simply, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, the two main products in inflammation, are both inhibited by glucocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids also cause lipocortin-1 to escape into the extracellular space. There it binds to receptors on the leukocyte membrane and inhibits several inflammatory events: epithelial adhesion, emigration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and the release of various inflammatory mediators (lysosomal enzymes, cytokines, tissue plasminogen activator, chemokines etc.) from neutrophils, macrophages and mastocytes.
The immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids as well. This happens through a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Apply a small amount of Hydrocortisone Acetate to the affected area, 2 or 3 times daily.
Side Effects
Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% cream is usually well tolerated. If signs of hypersensitivity appear, stop applying it.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
For infants and children, try to avoid long-term continuous use of hydrocortisone acetate on the skin where possible, because it can suppress the adrenal glands. The same caution applies to the face, as with all corticosteroids, and prolonged application there is undesirable.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There isn't enough evidence to say that Hydrocortisone Acetate is safe in human pregnancy. Topical corticosteroids shouldn't be used extensively during pregnancy. As for breastfeeding, it's highly unlikely that applying Hydrocortisone to the skin raises the blood level high enough for it to reach breast milk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
An acute overdose of Hydrocortisone Acetate is very unlikely. But if it is used for a long time in excess, or misused, signs of hypercorticism may appear. In that case, the topical steroid should be stopped.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Hydrocortisone Acetate in a cool, dry place and away from light. Make sure children can't reach it.
Common questions about Hydrocort 1%
What is Hydrocort 1% Cream?
Hydrocort 1% Cream is a medicine that contains Hydrocortisone Acetate. It is made by Alco Pharma Limited. It belongs to the Other Topical corticosteroids group of medicines.
What is Hydrocort used for?
Hydrocortisone Acetate works mainly by reducing inflammation. It also has immunosuppressant and antimitotic actions.
What are the side effects of Hydrocort?
Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% cream is usually well tolerated. If signs of hypersensitivity appear, stop applying it.
Can I take Hydrocort during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough evidence to say that Hydrocortisone Acetate is safe in human pregnancy. Topical corticosteroids shouldn't be used extensively during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Hydrocort?
An acute overdose of Hydrocortisone Acetate is very unlikely. But if it is used for a long time in excess, or misused, signs of hypercorticism may appear. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Hydrocort?
Keep Hydrocortisone Acetate in a cool, dry place and away from light. Make sure children can't reach it.
Do I need a prescription for Hydrocort?
Hydrocort is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.