Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone Cream and Ointment 2.5%) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Hydrocortisone

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Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

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Hydrocortisone

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HYDROCORTISONE
(hydrocortisone) Cream 2.5%

HYDROCORTISONE
(hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) ) Ointment 2.5%

FOR DERMATOLOGICAL USE ONLY
NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents. Hydrocortisone Cream 2.5% and Hydrocortisone Ointment 2.5% contain hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a white to practically white crystalline powder. Chemically, hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) is pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11,17,21-trihydroxy-, (Up)-. The structural formula of hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) is:

Hydrocortisone structural formula illustration

Each gram of the 2.5% Cream contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) cream and ointment 2.5%) in a base of glyceryl monostearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, glycerin, paraffin, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate, sorbitan monostearate, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, lactic acid and purified water. Each gram of the 2.5% Ointment contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone cream and ointment 2.5%) in a base of white petrolatum and mineral oil.

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Hydrocortisone »

What are the precautions when taking hydrocortisone cream and ointment 2.5% (Hydrocortisone)?

Before taking hydrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye disease (such as cataracts, glaucoma), heart problems (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer), brittle bones (osteoporosis), current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test, herpes, fungal), bleeding problems, blood clots, mental/mood conditions...

Read All Potential Precautions of Hydrocortisone »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/18/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.