Hydrocortisone has topical anti-inflammatory activity of value in the treatment of a wide variety of dermatological conditions, including the following: eczema and dermatitis of all types including atopic eczema, photodermatitis, intertrigo, primary irritant and allergic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and insect bite reactions.

Apply, once to four times daily gradually increasing the intervals between applications as the condition improves. Treatment may then be reduced to two to three times a week or when symptoms recur. Gentle massage assists penetration.

Method of administration

For cutaneous use

Bacterial (e.g. impetigo), viral (e.g. Herpes simplex) or fungal (e.g. candidal or dermatophyte) infections of the skin.

Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Remarks on indications

1. There is no good evidence that topical corticosteroids are efficacious against immediate (Type 1) allergic skin reactions or short-lived weal and flare reactions from other causes.

2. Topical corticosteroids are ineffective in granulomatous conditions and other inflammatory reactions involving the deeper regions of the dermis.

3. Topical corticosteroids are not generally indicated in psoriasis excluding widespread plaque psoriasis provided that warnings are given.

Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons including rebound relapses following development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis, and local and systematic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. Careful patient supervision is important.

Although generally regarded as safe, even for long-term administration in adults, there is potential for overdosage in infants and children. Extreme caution is required in dermatoses of infancy especially napkin eruption where the napkin can act as an occlusive dressing and increase absorption. In infants and children, courses of treatment should therefore not normally exceed 7 days.

Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be used whenever treating inflammatory lesions, which have become infected. Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy, and a systemic administration of antimicrobial agents.

As with all corticosteroids, prolonged application to the face is undesirable.

This medicinal product contains chlorocresol, which may cause allergic reactions.

This medicinal product also contains cetostearyl alcohol in the excipient cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, and may cause local skin reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis).

Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.

Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome :

Long term use of topical steroids can result in the development of rebound flares after stopping treatment (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). A severe form of rebound flare can develop which takes the form of a dermatitis with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. It is more likely to occur when delicate skin sites such as the face and flexures are treated. Should there be a reoccurrence of the condition within days to weeks after successful treatment a withdrawal reaction should be suspected. Reapplication should be with caution and specialist advise is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.

The label will state mild steroid.

None known.

Pregnancy

There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects in the human foetus.

Breastfeeding

There is no evidence against use in lactating women. However, caution should be exercised when Hydrocortisone Cream is administered to nursing mothers. In this event, the product should not be applied to the chest area.

None known.

Hydrocortisone preparations are usually well tolerated, but if any signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should stop immediately.

Striae may occur especially in intertriginous areas.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)

Withdrawal reactions - redness of the skin which may extend to areas beyond the initial affected area, burning or stinging sensation, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules. (see section 4.4)

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Not applicable.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Corticosteroids, mild (group I); ATC code: D07A A02

Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid. Its anti-inflammatory action is due to reduction in the vascular component of the inflammatory response and reduction in the formation of inflammatory fluid and cellular exudates. The granulation reaction is also decreased due to the inhibition effect of Hydrocortisone on connective tissue. Stabilisation of most cell granules and lysomal membranes decreases the mediators involved in inflammatory response and reduces release of enzymes in prostaglandin synthesis. The vasoconstrictor action of Hydrocortisone may also contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Absorption: Topically applied steroids are absorbed to a significant extent only if applied to broken skin, to very large areas, or under occlusive dressings.

Distribution: Corticosteroids are rapidly distributed to all body tissues. They cross the placenta and may be excreted in small amounts in breast milk

Metabolism: Hydrocortisone is metabolised mainly in the liver, but also the kidney, to various degraded and hydrogenated forms such as tetrahydrocortisone.

Elimination: Hydrocortisone is excreted in the urine, mostly conjugated as glucuronides. Only very small amounts of unchanged hydrocortisone are excreted.

Adverse effects of Hydrocortisone are due to its effects on electrolyte balance, metabolism and particularly adrenal suppression. Topical use of Hydrocortisone has only rarely been associated with systemic side effects.

Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax

Chlorocresol

Liquid Paraffin

Macrogol 300

White Soft Paraffin

Purified Water

None known.

60 months.

Do not store above 25° C.

A collapsible aluminium tube, with a membrane seal at the nozzle, internal epoxy lacquer, latex end seal band in the crimp seal and a white plastic cap for reclosure after piercing membrane.

Pack Sizes: 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g, 30 and 50g.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Any unused medicinal products or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.