hydrocortisone topical (Westcort, Locoid, Aquanil, Calmurid Cream, Cetacort, Claritin Skin Itch Relief, Coraz, CortaGel, Cortaid, Cortate, Cortisone-10 Poison Ivy Relief Pads, Cortisone-10 Quick Shot, Cortizone, Cortoderm, Dermacort, Dermazene Cream, DermiCort, Emo Cort, Hyderm, Hydrocort, HydroSKIN, HydroVal, Hytone, LactiCare, AlaCort, Locoid Lipocream, Massengill, Neosporin Eczema Essentials Anti-Itch Cream, Nutracort, Pediaderm HC, Penecort, Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream, Prevex HC, Proctocort, Proctocream, Sarna HC, Sarnol, Texacort, Timodine, Uniroid HC, AlaScalpt)
Classes: Corticosteroids, Topical
Dosing and uses of Westcort, Locoid (hydrocortisone topical)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 0.1%
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2%
- 2.5%
topical lotion
- 1%
- 2%
- 2.5%
topical geL
- 1%
topical solution
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical ointment
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations
Apply q8-12hr
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
topical cream
- 0.1%
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical lotion
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2%
- 2.5%
topical geL
- 1%
topical solution
- 1%
- 2.5%
topical ointment
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations
Apply q6-12hr
Dosing considerations
- Limit to the minimum amount necessary for therapeutic efficacy
Atopic Dermatitis
<3 months: Safety and efficacy not established
>3 months: Apply film to affected area q12hr
Westcort, Locoid (hydrocortisone topical) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Skin atrophy
Striae
Acneform lesions
Perioral dermatitis
Folliculitis
Itching
Pigmentation changes
HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 wk)
Warnings
Contraindications
Underlying infection
Hypersensitivity
Ophthalmic use
Cautions
Chronic topical corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development in children
Use lower potency in children; may absorb proportionally larger amounts after topical application and may cause systemic effects
Prolonged use may increase risk of secondary infections and Kaposi's sarcoma
Acute myopathy reported with high dose corticosteroids, especially patients with neuromuscular transmission disorders
Psychiatric disturbances including euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, and personality changes reported with corticosteroid use
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Westcort, Locoid (hydrocortisone topical)
Mechanism of action
Decreases inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes
Inhibits macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas
Reduces leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium
Reduces capillary wall permeability and edema formation
Decreases complement components and antagonizes histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates
Reduces fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation
Absorption
Percutaneous; extent of absorption in dependent on formulation, epidermal integrity (intact vs abrated), and the use of occlusive dressings