What is hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical?
Hydrocortisone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body
that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your
body.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical is used to treat itching and inflammation of the skin caused
by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, minor burns, or insect bites.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine 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 and lidocaine topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or lidocaine, or if
you have:
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special
tests to safely use this medication. Before using hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical, tell your doctor if
you have liver disease or a heart rhythm problem.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydrocortisone and lidocaine 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 and lidocaine topical.
How should I take hydrocortisone and lidocaine 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 and lidocaine topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using hydrocortisone and
lidocaine topical to treat a hand condition.
The hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical kit comes with a soap-free cleanser. Use this cleanser
daily as directed to add to the anti-itch effects of hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical.
Use only a small amount of hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical on the affected area and rub it
gently into the skin.
Avoid using this medication on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin unless your
doctor has told you to.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has
told you to. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical can increase the
amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over large
skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or
irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
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 and lidocaine topical regularly to get
the most benefit.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Store hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical at room temperature away from moisture and
heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of hydrocortisone and lidocaine 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 and lidocaine topical?
Your pharmacist has information about hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone and lidocaine 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 this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation or
swelling of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing hydrocortisone topical through your skin,
such as:
-
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
-
mood changes;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
-
muscle weakness, feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild irritation, redness, or swelling where the medication is
applied;
-
thinning of your skin;
-
numbness in places where the medicine is accidentally
applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical?
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has
told you to. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical can increase the
amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over large
skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or
irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Avoid using this medication on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin, unless your
doctor has told you to.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive
to the effects of hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine 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 and lidocaine topical?
Do not apply this medication to swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using
the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.
Avoid getting hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on
your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Avoid using other topical medications on the affected area unless your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a heart rhythm medication such
as:
-
quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release);
-
procainamide (Procan, Procanbid, Pronestyl);
-
disopyramide (Norpace);
-
flecaininde (Tambocor);
-
mexiletine (Mexitil);
-
morizicine (Ethmozine); or
-
propafenone, (Rythmol).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
hydrocortisone and lidocaine. 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 and lidocaine topical?
