Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone) Cream 2.5% is a topical (for the skin) steroid used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis. Hydrocortisone is available in generic form. Common side effects of Hydrocortisone Cream include

• skin redness/burning/itching/peeling,
• thinning of your skin,
• blistering skin,
• stretch marks,
• nausea,
• heartburn,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• menstrual period changes,
• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• increased sweating, or
• acne.

Tell your doctor if you have any serious side effects of Hydrocortisone Cream including blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights, uneven heartbeats, weight gain, puffiness in your face, or feeling tired.

Dose and administration: Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area as a thin film 2 to 4 times daily depending on the severity of the condition. It is not likely 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 all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, hydrocortisone should be used only when prescribed. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. This medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone) Cream 2.5% Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;
• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

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.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone Cream and Ointment 2.5%)