US Brand Names

• Aclovate
• A-Hydrocort
• Ala-Cort
• Anusol-HC
• Cloderm
• Cortastat

• Cortastat LA
• Decadron
• Locoid
• Pandel
• Westcort

Canadian Brand Names

• Alocort
• Barriere-Hc
• Cortacet
• Cortate
• Cortef
• Cort-Eze

• Corticreme 0.1%
• Corticreme 0.5%
• Corticreme 1%
• Cortoderm Mild Ointment
• Cortoderm Regular Ointment
• Dr. Scholl's Medicated Foot Powder

Description

Topical corticosteroids are used to help relieve redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of many skin problems. These medicines are like cortisone. They belong to the general family of medicines called steroids.

Most corticosteroids are available only with your doctor's prescription. Some strengths of hydrocortisone are available without a prescription. However, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use for your medical condition.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Cream
• Lotion
• Ointment
• Solution
• Spray
• Paste
• Gel/Jelly
• Liquid
• Pad
• Kit
• Stick

Before Using

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Children and teenagers who must use this medicine for a long time should be checked often by their doctor. Other, more potent corticosteroids are absorbed through the skin and can affect growth or cause other unwanted effects. Topical corticosteroids also can be absorbed if they are applied to large areas of skin. These effects are less likely to occur with the use of the lower potency corticosteroids. However, before using this medicine in children, you should discuss its use with your child's doctor.

Geriatric

This medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy

When used properly, these medicines have not been shown to cause problems in humans. Studies on birth defects have not been done in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that topical corticosteroids, when applied to the skin in large amounts or used for a long time, could cause birth defects.

Breastfeeding

Topical corticosteroids have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies when used properly. However, corticosteroids should not be applied to the breasts just before nursing.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

 

Other pages: : 1 * 2 * 3 * Next>>