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Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone Cream and Ointment 2.5%): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Hydrocortisone

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2022

Drug Summary

What Is Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone) Cream 2.5% is a topical (for the skin) steroid used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.

  • Hydrocortisone is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Hydrocortisone?

Common side effects of Hydrocortisone Cream include

  • skin redness/burning/itching/peeling,
  • thinning of your skin,
  • blistering skin,
  • stretch marks,
  • nausea,
  • heartburn,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • menstrual period changes,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • increased sweating, or
  • acne.

Hydrocortisone may cause serious side effects including:

  • blurred vision,
  • tunnel vision,
  • eye pain,
  • seeing halos around lights,
  • muscle weakness,
  • loss of muscle mass,
  • new or unusual pain in your joints, bones, or muscles,
  • severe headaches,
  • ringing in your ears,
  • pain behind your eyes,
  • unusual changes in mood or behavior,
  • convulsions (a seizure),
  • shortness of breath,
  • swelling,
  • rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection),
  • fever,
  • chills,
  • cough,
  • trouble breathing,
  • sores in your mouth or on your skin,
  • diarrhea,
  • burning when you urinate,
  • slow wound healing,
  • skin discoloration,
  • thinning skin,
  • increased body hair,
  • tiredness,
  • menstrual changes,
  • sexual changes,
  • weakness,
  • tiredness,
  • nausea,
  • menstrual changes,
  • skin discoloration,
  • craving salty foods, and
  • lightheadedness

Tell your doctor if you have any serious side effects of Hydrocortisone Cream listed above.

Dosage for Hydrocortisone

Dose and administration: Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area as a thin film 2 to 4 times daily depending on the severity of the condition.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Hydrocortisone?

It is not likely other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied hydrocortisone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

During pregnancy, hydrocortisone should be used only when prescribed. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems.

Tell your doctor if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

Hydrocortisone During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

This medication passes into breast milk. However, this drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Additional Information

Our Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone) Cream 2.5% Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Hydrocortisone

Active Ingredient

Hydrocortisone 1%

Inactive Ingredients

aloe barbadensis leaf juice, white petrolatum

Uses for Hydrocortisone

Purpose

Anti-itch

Uses

  • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to:
  • eczema
  • psoriasis
  • poison ivy, oak, sumac
  • insect bites
  • detergents
  • jewelry
  • cosmetics
  • soaps
  • seborrheic dermatitis
  • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching
  • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor

Dosage for Hydrocortisone

Directions

  • for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes:
  • adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
  • children under 2 years of age: do not use, ask a doctor
  • for external anal and genital itching, adults:
  • when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly
  • gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying
  • apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
  • children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor

HOW SUPPLIED

Other Information

  • store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)

Active Ingredient

Hydrocortisone 1%

Inactive Ingredients

aloe barbadensis leaf juice, white petrolatum

Questions or comments ?

1-800-719-9260

American Sales Company. Revised: Jun 2016

Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

No information provided.

Please see WARNINGS Section.

Drug Interactions for Hydrocortisone

No information provided.

Warnings for Hydrocortisone

For external use only

Do not use

  • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Ask a doctor.
  • for the treatment of diaper rash. Ask a doctor.

When using this product

  • avoid contact with the eyes
  • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor
  • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • condition worsens
  • symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor
  • rectal bleeding occurs

Keep out of reach of children.

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Precautions for Hydrocortisone

No information provided.

Please see WARNINGS Section.

Overdose Information for Hydrocortisone

No information provided.

Contraindications for Hydrocortisone

No information provided.

Clinical Pharmacology for Hydrocortisone

No information provided.

Patient Information for Hydrocortisone

For external use only

Do not use

  • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Ask a doctor.
  • for the treatment of diaper rash. Ask a doctor.

When using this product

  • avoid contact with the eyes
  • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor
  • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • condition worsens
  • symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor
  • rectal bleeding occurs

Keep out of reach of children.

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

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