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/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 · Rectal Suppository30 MG · Rectal Suppository0.02 MG/MG · Topical Gel

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

Uses
Use(s) For the temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, jewelry, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and external genital, feminine, and anal itching
How to use / dosing
Directions • 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: Consult a doctor. • When used for anal itching, cleanse the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly. Gently dry, patting or blotting with bathroom tissue or soft cloth before applying. Children under 12: Consult a doctor before using for anal itching.

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.

PregnancyCaution
…Warnings For External Use Only If pregnant or breast-feeding Ask a health professional before use Do not use •…
BreastfeedingCaution
…Warnings For External Use Only If pregnant or breast-feeding Ask a health professional before use Do not use •…
Breastfeeding details — LactMed (NLM) →
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 If pregnant or breast-feeding Ask a health professional before use Do not use • In the eyes • For diaper rash • For external genital or feminine itching if you have a vaginal discharge • More than the recommended daily dosage unless directed by a doctor • In the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator Stop use and ask a doctor if • Condition worsens or if symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days (do not continue to use this or any other hydrocortisone product for longer than 7 days) • Bleeding occurs due to anal itching Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

240 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.