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What is Hydrocortisone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Hydrocortisone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ala-Scalp HP, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Aquanil Hc, Anti-Itch, Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing, Cortaid Maximum Strength, Ala-Cort, Dermarest Dricort, Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength, Cortizone-10 Eczema, Cortizone-10 Easy Relief, Cortizone-10 Diabetics' Skin, Cortizone-10 Cooling Relief, Corta-Cap, Cortisone

Generic Names:

  • Hydrocortisone

Uses:

  • Treats skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other types of skin problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anti-Inflammatory, Corticosteroid, Intermediate, Corticosteroid, Weak

Forms:

  • Cream, Kit, Ointment, Lotion, Spray, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Hydrocortisone used for?

Hydrocortisone is a medication used to treat inflammation associated with a variety of diseases including allergies, eczema, arthritis, and asthma. Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids (or “steroids”). Hydrocortisone is a generic medication sold under many brand names such as Solu-cortef, Anucort-hc, Westcort, Pandel, A-hydrocort, Locoid, U-cort, Colocort, Cortifoam, MiCort-HC, Caldecort, Maximum-H, Alacort, Dermacort, Rugby, Texacort, Procto-Kit, Monistat, Cortenema, Poli-A, Hytone, Easy, Soothe, Neosporin, Proctocort, Selsun, and Cortef.

What form(s) does Hydrocortisone come in

  • Cream

  • Kit

  • Ointment

  • Lotion

  • Spray

  • Foam

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Stick

  • Liquid

What are common Hydrocortisone doses?

  • Tube 28.350000381469727GM of 0.5%

  • Tube 14.199999809265137GM of 1%

  • Tube 28GM of 1%

  • Tube 28.350000381469727GM of 1%

  • Tube 28.399999618530273GM of 1%

  • Tube 30GM of 1%

  • Tube 20GM of 2.5%

  • Tube 28GM of 2.5%

  • Tube 28.350000381469727GM of 2.5%

  • Tube 30GM of 2.5%

  • Tablet 5MG

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 5GM of

  • Bottle 10GM of

  • Bottle 114GM of 1%

  • Bottle 120ML of 1%

  • Bottle 59ML of 2.5%

  • Bottle 118ML of 2.5%

  • Bottle 60ML of 100MG/60ML

  • Jar 453.60000610351562GM of 1%

  • Jar 454GM of 1%

  • Jar 453.60000610351562GM of 2.5%

  • Jar 454GM of 2.5%

Common Hydrocortisone prescriptions

  • Hydrocortisone
    59ml of 2.5% bottle

  • Hydrocortisone
    60ml of 100mg/60ml bottle

  • Hydrocortisone
    453.6gm of 1% jar

  • Hydrocortisone
    453.6gm of 2.5% jar

  • Hydrocortisone
    454gm of 1% jar

  • Hydrocortisone
    454gm of 2.5% jar

  • Hydrocortisone
    1.5gm of 1% packet

  • Hydrocortisone
    10mg tablet

  • Hydrocortisone
    20mg tablet

  • Hydrocortisone
    5mg tablet

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.35gm of 0.5% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.35gm of 1% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.35gm of 2.5% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.4gm of 1% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    28gm of 1% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    28gm of 2.5% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    30gm of 1% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    30gm of 2.5% tube

  • Hydrocortisone
    20gm of 2.5% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.35gm of 0.5% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.35gm of 1% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.4gm of 1% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone
    28gm of 1% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone
    30gm of 2.5% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone
    20gm of 2.5% tube of ointment

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.35gm of 1% tube of ointment

  • Hydrocortisone
    28.4gm of 1% tube of ointment

  • Hydrocortisone
    28gm of 1% tube of ointment

  • Hydrocortisone
    30gm of 0.5% tube of ointment

  • Hydrocortisone
    30gm of 1% tube of ointment

How to take Hydrocortisone

  • Lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or liquid: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Spray: Topical application routeShake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds. To apply to your face, spray into the palm of your hand and rub in gently.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor. Do not cover the treated skin with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if you are using this medicine on a child's diaper area.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • This medicine is for use on skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeDo not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • .Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or liquid: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • This medicine is for use on skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • .Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor. Do not cover the treated skin with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if you are using this medicine on a child's diaper area.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Spray: Topical application routeShake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds. To apply to your face, spray into the palm of your hand and rub in gently.

  • Topical application routeDo not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

Hydrocortisone contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. It may also cause you to get infections more easily, so tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.

  • This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Hydrocortisone interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. It may also cause you to get infections more easily, so tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.

  • This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Hydrocortisone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss

  • Rapid weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

  • Redness, swelling, or pus

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning, itching, irritation, dryness

  • Poor healing of skin

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