hydrocortisone butyrate at a glance
Medicine class
A moderately potent topical corticosteroid.
Usual role
Controls inflammation, redness and itching in responsive skin disorders.
Available forms
Cream, lipid-rich cream, fatty ointment and scalp lotion.
What is hydrocortisone butyrate used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for inflammatory skin disorders not caused by microorganisms.
Eczema
Dermatitis
Psoriasis, excluding widespread plaque psoriasis
Inflammatory scalp disorders when the scalp lotion is prescribed
How does hydrocortisone butyrate work?
It suppresses inflammatory activity in the skin, reducing redness, swelling and itching. It does not treat bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
How to take hydrocortisone butyrate
Use only on the prescribed skin area. The scalp lotion is specifically for scalp use.
Wash your hands before and after application unless the hands are being treated.
Keep it away from the eyes and do not apply it to the eyelids.
Do not use an airtight dressing unless specifically directed by the prescriber.
Keep residue on clothing, bedding or dressings away from cigarettes and naked flames because it can make fabrics burn more easily.
Apply moisturisers and hydrocortisone butyrate separately rather than mixing them; follow the prescriber's instructions about order.
hydrocortisone butyrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary stinging or burning, particularly on inflamed skin.
- Irritation, itching, redness, rash or application-site pain; their frequency is not known.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction or marked worsening after application.
- Blurred vision or another visual disturbance.
- Skin thinning, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels, bruising or pigment change.
- New or worsening skin infection.
- Rare systemic corticosteroid effects, including adrenal suppression, especially where absorption is increased.
- A withdrawal reaction after prolonged use, including spreading redness or skin-colour change, burning, intense itching, peeling or oozing sores.
hydrocortisone butyrate in pregnancy
Topical corticosteroids can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed, with no known pregnancy risk from appropriate topical use. Data specifically for hydrocortisone butyrate are limited, so review its continued need with the prescriber when pregnant or planning pregnancy.
hydrocortisone butyrate while breastfeeding
Topical corticosteroids are generally compatible with breastfeeding because exposure through breast milk is expected to be very low. Avoid direct infant contact with treated skin, wash your hands before handling the baby, and do not leave it on the breast or nipple during a feed. Seek specialist advice for a premature or unwell infant.
hydrocortisone butyrate interactions
Formal interaction studies with hydrocortisone butyrate have not been performed.
Emollients and moisturisers
Applying them together may dilute or spread the corticosteroid. Use them separately in the order advised by the prescriber.
Common questions about hydrocortisone butyrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is hydrocortisone butyrate a steroid?
Yes. It is a moderately potent topical corticosteroid.
Is it the same as ordinary hydrocortisone cream?
No. Hydrocortisone butyrate is a different corticosteroid ester with a different potency classification, so the products are not interchangeable.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.