MiCort-HC

Generic name:hydrocortisone acetate
Dosage form: cream
Drug class:Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2021.

DESCRIPTION

MiCort™ HCCream 2.5% is a topical preparation containing hydrocortisone acetate 2.5% w/w in a water washable base containing cetostearyl alcohol, ceteth 20, light mineral oil, petrolatum, propylparaben, butylparaben, citric acid, sodium citrate, and purified water. Topical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents.

The structural formula, the chemical name, molecular formula and molecular weight for active ingredients are presented below.

hydrocortisone acetate

Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 21-(acetyloxy)-11, 17-dihydroxy-, (11-beta)-

C 23H 32O 6; mol. wt.: 404.50

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticostero