alan asked
Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% is supplied in: 20 grams tube NDC 0316-0193-20. 30 grams tube NDC 0316-0193-30. 454 grams jar NDC 0316-0193-16. Manufactured and Distributed by: Crown Laboratories, Inc., Johnson City, Tennessee 37604. PRINTED IN USA Revised Dec 2017. Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% - 1oz Label. NDC 0316-0186-01. Hydrocortisone cream is a topical corticosteroid used to treat mild inflammatory skin conditions, commonly referred to as dermatitis.Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter without a prescription in different strengths (such as 0.5% and 1%) as well as in prescription strength (2.5. 0 Reviews: SG Hydrocortisone/Aloe 0.5% topical cream: On Label: OTC: 0 Reviews: Eczema Anti-Itch 1% topical cream: On Label: OTC: 0 Reviews: Dermarest Eczema (hydrocortisone) 1%.
I was prescribed dakacourt hydrocortisone cream for balanitis on my penis about a month ago. I used the cream a little at a time for about 8/9 days, but I fear I have done some damage to my penis. it is very red and painful under the foreskin after sex a few days ago. I haven't used the cream for 2 days now, and it is getting easier but is still painful when I clean with water. I am applying Vaseline only, nothing else. Is there a ointment I can get to help the healing or is it just a matter of time? Also, am I OK to apply Vaseline?
Answer
While hydrocortisone is commonly used for the treatment of balanitis (inflammation of the penis head or 'glands penis'), it can sometimes make your symptoms worse. This may be what you are experiencing, especially since not using the cream has helped.
The product you were prescribed is a combination of miconazole and hydrocortisone. Miconazole is a topical anti-fungal while hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid, which helps to reduce inflammation.
While hydrocortisone may temporary relieve the pain and inflammation from balanitis, it is often not a good choice for long term use for numerous reasons:
- Topical steroids can locally affect your immune system and they are well known for causing opportunistic infections (e.g. fungal and bacterial). In other words, steroids can increase the time it takes to recover from an infection and may even be the cause of one.
- Steroids generally should not be applied to thin skin, mucous membranes or sensitive areas of the body. These areas absorb steroids at an exponentially higher rate than the skin on other parts of your body. This absorption can lead not only to further thinning of the skin (which can be extremely painful on areas such as the penis) but also to adrenal function suppression. In addition, thinned skin on the penis due to topical steroid use will make it extremely sensitive to any irritant or minor contact.
Due to the issues above, hydrocortisone isn't generally recommend or should only be used for very short periods of time. As mentioned in your inquiry, the discontinuation of the medication appears to have helped.
In regard to further treatment, Vaseline can certainly help with the irritation symptoms as it is a good skin protectant. I would advise you reach out to your doctor again as well if the symptoms don't continually get better. You could still have the underlying condition that caused the balanitis in the first place. It is possible that you need an antifungal or an antibiotic medicaton to appropriately treat an infection. Both antifungals and antibiotics are available without added hydrocortisone.
Generic Name: hydrocortisone (oral) (HYE droe KOR ti sone)
Brand Name:Cortef
Dosage Forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg)
Brand Name:Cortef
Dosage Forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 5 mg)
What is hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that is used in the treatment of many different conditions, including allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or lung disorders.
Hydrocortisone is also used to replace steroids in people with adrenal insufficiency (decreased production of natural steroids by the adrenal glands).
Hydrocortisone affects your immune system and is often used to treat certain blood cell disorders such as anemia (low red blood cells) or thrombocytopenia (low platelets).
Hydrocortisone is also used in the treatment of certain cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Hydrocortisone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use hydrocortisone if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use hydrocortisone if you are allergic to it, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Steroids can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- tuberculosis;
- kidney disease;
- cirrhosis or other liver disease;
- a thyroid disorder;
- low bone mineral density (osteoporosis);
- stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis;
- diabetes;
- a colostomy or ileostomy;
- depression or mental illness;
- glaucoma or cataracts;
- herpes infection of the eyes; or
- a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
It is not known whether hydrocortisone will harm an unborn baby. However, using this medicine during pregnancy may cause a hormone deficiency in the newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while using hydrocortisone.
How should I take hydrocortisone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take with food if hydrocortisone upsets your stomach.
If you have trouble sleeping, you may need to take this medicine early in the day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Your dose needs may change if you have a serious illness, fever or infection, surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.
You should not stop taking hydrocortisone suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use steroid medication.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of hydrocortisone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while taking hydrocortisone?
Do not receive a 'live' vaccine while using hydrocortisone. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.
Hydrocortisone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or 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;
- a seizure;
- fluid retention--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);
- new signs of infection--such as fever, chills, cough, trouble breathing, sores in your mouth or on your skin, diarrhea, or burning when you urinate;
- increased adrenal gland hormones--slow wound healing, skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair, tiredness, menstrual changes, sexual changes; or
- decreased adrenal gland hormones--weakness, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, menstrual changes, skin discoloration, craving salty foods, and feeling light-headed.
Hydrocortisone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using hydrocortisone.
![Cream Cream](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71DgIaFHHZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Common side effects may include:
- thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;
- increased sweating;
- stomach bloating;
- changes in your menstrual periods;
- increased appetite, weight gain;
- headache, dizziness; or
- trouble sleeping.
Bbedit 13 0 5 Hydrocortisone Creamam Walgreens
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect hydrocortisone, especially:
Bbedit 13 0 5 Hydrocortisone Cream 2%
- birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
- heart medication;
- insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
- medicine to treat an infection;
- seizure medication;
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
- aspirin or an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, indomethacin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and others.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect hydrocortisone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Frequently asked questions
More about hydrocortisone
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Consumer resources
- Other brands
- Cortef, Solu-Cortef, Cortenema, Cortifoam, .. +3 more
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Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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