Drug Reference

Hydrocortisone

Glucocorticoids

← All medicines · Glucocorticoids

OTC

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Glucocorticoids
Action class
Corticosteroid
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

Ala-CortAla-ScalpAlcortinAlcortin AAlkindiAlocane Anti-ItchAna-LexAnalpram HCAnucort-HCAnusol HCAquanil HCAquaphor Itch ReliefBeta-HCCaldecortCipro HCCortaidCortane-BCortefCortenemaCorticoolCortifoamCortisporinCortisporin-TCCortizoneDermacortDermazeneDermtex HCEpifoamEvesseGynecortHemmorexHemorrodil PlusHemrilInstacortKera-HCKhindiviLocoidMalaceticMiCort-HCMonistat Itch Relief+26 more

Available as

0.00275 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.0055 MG/MG · Rectal Gel0.025 MG/MG · Rectal Gel10 MG/ML · Rectal Cream20 MG/ML · Rectal Cream5 MG/ML · Rectal Cream5 MG/ML5 MG/ML · Topical Cream2 MG/ML0.025 MG/MG · Topical Ointment10 MG/ML50 MG/ML · Injectable Solution10 MG/ML · Topical Cream30 MG/ML · Topical Cream1 MG/ML · Topical Cream23.5 MG/ML · Rectal Cream18.5 MG/ML · Rectal Cream0.4 UNT/MG · Ophthalmic Ointment0.01 MG/MG · Topical Gel0.01 MG/MG · Topical Ointment25 MG/ML · Topical Cream25 MG/ML25 MG/ML · Rectal Cream25 MG · Rectal Suppository

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
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
How to use / dosing
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

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For external use only Do not use • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Consult a doctor. • for the treatment of diaper rash. Consult 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).
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

244 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.