Indications
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.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
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.
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.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.