hydrocortisone butyrate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Anti-inflammatory effects: Hydrocortisone butyrate works by suppressing the body’s immune response, particularly the release of substances that cause inflammation. It reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, thereby alleviating swelling, redness, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. 

Anti-pruritic effects: It helps relieve itching by diminishing the irritation caused by certain skin disorders. By reducing inflammation, it can alleviate the itching sensation commonly experienced in skin conditions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Skin depigmentation 

Perioral dermatitis 

Local atrophic changes 

Hypertrichosis 

Hypersensitivity reactions 

Exacerbation of infection 

Cushing’s syndrome 

Contact dermatitis 

Adrenal suppression 

Acne 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to hydrocortisone butyrate or any of its components should avoid its use. 

Skin Infections: If the skin area is affected by a viral, fungal, or bacterial infection, the use of hydrocortisone butyrate may not be recommended. Using corticosteroids in the presence of certain infections can exacerbate or prolong the infection. 

Children and Infants: Hydrocortisone butyrate should be used cautiously in infants and children, especially in large quantities or for extended periods, due to the risk of systemic absorption and potential adverse effects on growth and development. 

Acne and Rosacea: Avoid applying hydrocortisone butyrate to areas affected by acne or rosacea as it may exacerbate these conditions. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is known 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

Hydrocortisone butyrate is a synthetic corticosteroid primarily used in the form of a topical cream or ointment for the treatment of various skin conditions. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Anti-inflammatory: Hydrocortisone butyrate exerts its therapeutic effects by binding to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors. Upon binding, it forms a complex that translocated into the nucleus & it alters the way that several genes involved in immunological and inflammatory responses are transcribed. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

When applied topically, hydrocortisone butyrate is absorbed through the skin and exerts its effects locally. 

Distribution 

It has a low potential for systemic absorption, reducing the risk of systemic side effects. 

Metabolism 

The drug is metabolized into inactive metabolites in the liver, which is the main organ for metabolism. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The metabolites are eliminated mainly through urine and feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Apply a thin layer: Take a small amount of hydrocortisone butyrate cream or ointment and apply a thin layer to the affected skin.  

Frequency and duration: Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hydrocortisone butyrate 

Why do we use hydrocortisone butyrate?  

It is often prescribed to relieve symptoms of eczema, such as itching, redness, and inflammation. It can help in managing flare-ups and reducing the severity of symptoms. 

Hydrocortisone butyrate can be used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, such as scaling, redness, and itching. It is effective in treating allergic reactions or irritations caused by contact with certain substances like poison ivy, soaps, or metals.