Hydrocortisone Cream, Lotion, Ointment, or Solution

What is this medication?

HYDROCORTISONE (hye droe KOR ti sone) reduces swelling, redness, itching, and rashes caused by skin conditions, such as eczema. It works by decreasing inflammation of the skin. It belongs to a group of medications called topical steroids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ala-Cort, Ala-Scalp, Anusol HC, Aqua Glycolic HC, Aquaphor, Aquaphor Children's Itch Relief, Aquaphor Itch Relief, Balneol for Her, Caldecort, Cetacort, Cortaid, Cortaid Advanced, Cortaid Intensive Therapy, Cortaid Sensitive Skin, CortAlo, Corticaine, Corticool, Cortizone, Cortizone-10, Cortizone-10 Cooling Relief, Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing, Cortizone-10 Plus, Cortizone-5, Dermarest Dricort, Dermarest Eczema, DERMASORB HC Complete, Gly-Cort, Hycort, Hydro Skin, Hydrocortisone in Absorbase, Hydroskin, Hytone, Instacort, Lacticare HC, Locoid, Locoid Lipocream, MiCort-HC, Monistat Complete Care Instant Itch Relief Cream, Neosporin Eczema, NuCort, Nutracort, NuZon, Pandel, Pediaderm HC, Penecort, Preparation H Hydrocortisone, Procto-Kit, Procto-Med HC, Procto-Pak, Proctocort, Proctocream-HC, Proctosol-HC, Proctozone-HC, Rederm, Sarnol-HC, Scalacort, Scalpicin Anti-Itch, Texacort, Tucks HC, Vagisil Anti-Itch, Walgreens Intensive Healing, Westcort

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Large areas of burned or damaged skin
• Skin infection
• Taking steroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone
• Using steroid cream, lotions, or inhalers
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, steroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medication in your eyes. If you do, rinse it out with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed or for a longer time period than prescribed by your care team. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Apply a thin film to the affected area and rub gently. Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Call your health care provider if you are around anyone with measles, chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

This medication can damage and reduce the effect of latex-containing products such as condoms and diaphragms. Avoid contact of this medication with latex-containing products; throw away any products that are exposed to this medication.

Do not use this medication for diaper rash unless directed to do so by your health care provider. If applying this medication to the diaper area, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medication that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
• Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
• Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
• Skin infection—skin redness, swelling, warmth, or pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
• Unexpected hair growth at site where applied

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.