hydrocortisone acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Mild topical corticosteroid
Licensed uses
Contact dermatitis, mild to moderate eczema and insect-bite reactions
Form
Smooth white cream for external use on the skin
What is hydrocortisone acetate used for?
The selected product is licensed for inflammatory skin conditions affecting a limited area.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Reactions to insect bites
Mild to moderate eczema
How does hydrocortisone acetate work?
It binds to corticosteroid receptors and suppresses inflammatory processes, reducing swelling, redness and itching.
hydrocortisone acetate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1%
How to take hydrocortisone acetate
Use externally on affected skin and gently massage the cream in. Wash your hands before and afterwards unless treating your hands. Avoid the eyes, face, anogenital area, broken or infected skin, and occlusive dressings. Keep treated clothing and bedding away from cigarettes and naked flames because they can burn more easily.
Follow the product leaflet or healthcare professional's directions.
Do not swallow the cream.
Do not use it on a different body area without checking suitability.
hydrocortisone acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local irritation or an itchy rash
- Skin becoming lighter or darker
- Skin thinning, stretch marks or visible small blood vessels, particularly with excessive or prolonged use
Get urgent medical advice
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat or tongue
- Blurred vision or another new visual disturbance
- Worsening dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis
- Redness, burning, stinging, peeling or oozing extending beyond the treated area after stopping treatment
- Features of excessive systemic corticosteroid exposure, such as a puffy face, muscle weakness or dizziness
hydrocortisone acetate in pregnancy
Topical corticosteroids can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed, but the selected product advises obtaining medical or pharmacy advice first. Seek review if treatment continues after becoming pregnant.
hydrocortisone acetate while breastfeeding
Topical hydrocortisone generally produces very low maternal blood and milk concentrations, but use the selected product only following professional advice. Wash it off the breast or nipple with warm water before feeding and prevent the infant from touching treated skin.
hydrocortisone acetate interactions
Clinically relevant interactions are unlikely when topical hydrocortisone is used correctly.
Other medicines
No interactions are known for the selected cream, but ask a pharmacist to check other products intended for the same skin area.
Common questions about hydrocortisone acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is hydrocortisone acetate a strong steroid?
No. On the skin, it is classed as a mild or weak corticosteroid.
Can it be used on the face?
Not this selected product. Its product information excludes use on the face and around the eyes.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.