Cortaid

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents. Hydrocortisone is included in this class of synthetic corticosteroid.

Chemically, hydrocortisone is pregna-4-ene3,20-dione,11,17,21-trihydroxy-(11B); its molecular formula is C21H30O5 ; its molecular weight is 362.47; its Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number is 50-23-7. The structural formula is:

Each gram of Hydrocortisone Cream USP 1 % provides 10 mg of hydrocortisone in a nonstaining water washable cream base consisting of stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, isopropyl palmitate, paraffin, sorbitan monostearate, glycerin, lactic acid, potassium sorbate and purified water.

Each gram of Hydrocortisone Ointment USP 1% provides 10 mg of hydrocortisone in a white petrolatum base.

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 Cortaid »

What are the precautions when taking hydrocortisone cream and ointment 1.0% (Cortaid)?

Before using hydrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, triamcinolone); 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.

If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

If you have itching of the outer female genitals with vaginal discharge, consult your doctor before using this product.

Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated. Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Tell your doctor promptly if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.

Children may...

Read All Potential Precautions of Cortaid »


Cortaid Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, "hair bumps" (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

If the treated area starts to bleed, especially if you are using this product for anal itching, contact your doctor immediately.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using hydrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, triamcinolone); 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.

If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

If you have itching of the outer female genitals with vaginal discharge, consult your doctor before using this product.

Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated. Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Tell your doctor promptly if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.


Cortaid Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Ala-Cort, Ala-Scalp HP, Aquanil HC, Beta HC, Caldecort, Cortaid, Cortaid Intensive Therapy, Cortaid Maximum Strength, Cortaid with Aloe, Cortalo with Aloe, Corticaine, Cortizone for Kids, Cortizone-10, Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Formula, Cortizone-10 Plus, Cortizone-5, Dermarest Dricort, Dermarest Eczema Medicated, Dermarest Plus Anti-Itch, Dermtex HC, Genasone/Aloe, Gly-Cort, Gynecort Maximum Strength, Hycort, Hydrocortisone 1% In Absorbase, Hydrocortisone with Aloe, Hydrocortisone-Aloe, Hytone, Instacort, Itch-X Lotion, Locoid, Locoid Lipocream, Locoid Lotion, Massengill Medicated Soft Cloth, MD Hydrocortisone, Neutrogena T-Scalp, NuCort with Aloe, NuZon, Pandel, Recort Plus, Rederm, Sarnol-HC, Scalacort, Texacort, U-Cort, Westcort

Generic Name: hydrocortisone topical (Pronunciation: hye droe KOR ti sone)

  • What is hydrocortisone topical (Cortaid)?
  • What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone topical?
  • What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone topical?
  • What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydrocortisone topical?
  • How should I use hydrocortisone topical?
  • What happens if I miss a dose?
  • What happens if I overdose?
  • What should I avoid while using hydrocortisone topical?
  • What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone topical?
  • Where can I get more information?

What is hydrocortisone topical (Cortaid)?

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Hydrocortisone topical is used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.

Hydrocortisone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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 include:

  • skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling;
  • thinning of your skin;
  • blistering skin; or
  • stretch marks.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone topical?

There are many brands and forms of hydrocortisone topical available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone topical.

Hydrocortisone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days.

Related Drug Centers
  • Cortaid
  • Hydrocortisone


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