Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.
HYDROCORTISONE- hydrocortisone cream
HYDROCORTISONE- hydrocortisone ointment
Perrigo New York Inc
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HYDROCORTISONE CREAM USP, 2.5%
HYDROCORTISONE OINTMENT USP, 2.5%
Rx Only
DESCRIPTION
Each gram of Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone in a cream base of cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, and stearyl alcohol.
Each gram of Hydrocortisone Ointment USP, 2.5% contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone in ointment base of light mineral oil and white petrolatum.
Chemically, hydrocortisone is [Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione,11,17,21-trihydroxy-, (11β)-] with the molecular formula (C21H3O05) and is represented by the following structural formula:
Its molecular weight is 362.47 and its CAS Registery Number is 50-23-7. The topical corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the 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 systematically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varyin
