What is hydrocortisone topical?
Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause
inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Hydrocortisone topical is used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of
conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.
Hydrocortisone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrocortisone topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone.
Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hydrocortisone topical is harmful to
an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydrocortisone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive
to the effects of hydrocortisone topical.
How should I take hydrocortisone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using hydrocortisone topical
to treat a hand condition.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you
have skin folds or thin skin.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has
told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting
diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone topical can increase the amount of the
drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this
medication for several days. It is important to use hydrocortisone topical regularly to get the most
benefit.
Store hydrocortisone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of hydrocortisone topical?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about hydrocortisone topical?
Your pharmacist has information about hydrocortisone topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using hydrocortisone topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these
serious side effects:
-
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
-
uneven heartbeats;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
-
feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone topical?
There are many brands and forms of hydrocortisone topical available and not all brands are
listed on this leaflet.
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has
told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting
diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone topical can increase the amount of the
drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have
skin folds or thin skin.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive
to the effects of hydrocortisone topical.
Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this
medication for several days.
What should I avoid while taking hydrocortisone topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get
into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use hydrocortisone topical on sunburned, windburned,
irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin
cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol,
spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you
to.
What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied
hydrocortisone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of hydrocortisone topical?