Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Ala-Cort, Aquanil HC, Beta HC, Cortizone-5, Demarest Plus Anti-Itch
Synonyms :
hydrocortisone topical
Class :
Corticosteroids, Topical
Brand Name :
Ala-Cort, Aquanil HC, Beta HC, Cortizone-5, Demarest Plus Anti-Itch
Synonyms :
hydrocortisone topical
Class :
Corticosteroids, Topical
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical (cream)
0.1%
0.2%
0.5%
1%
2.5%
Topical (gel)
1%
10%
Topical (lotion)
0.1%
1%
2%
2.5%
Topical (ointment)
0.2%
0.5%
1%
2.5%
Topical (solution)
1%
2.5%
Atopic Dermatitis
Apply a thin coating to the impacted area two times a day.
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical (cream)
0.1%
0.2%
0.5%
1%
2.5%
Topical (gel)
1%
10%
Topical (lotion)
0.1%
1%
2%
2.5%
Topical (ointment)
0.2%
0.5%
1%
2.5%
Topical (solution)
1%
2.5%
Atopic Dermatitis
Apply a thin coating to the impacted area two times a day.
Refer to adult dosing
may have a decreased therapeutic effect when combined with calcipotriene
When hydrocortisone is aided by androstenediol, that promotes an increased risk of edema
Actions and Spectrum:
By inhibiting the immunological response in the afflicted region, hydrocortisone topical works to lessen inflammation. This can speed up recovery by reducing swelling, itching, and redness. As hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, it replicates the effects of cortisol, a hormone the body naturally produces, and which helps to control inflammation.
Given that it is mainly used to cure skin disorders brought on by inflammation, hydrocortisone topical has a rather limited range of applications. It is not used to cure systemic disorders and is ineffective versus bacterial or fungal infections.
Frequency not defined
Skin atrophy
Perioral dermatitis
Striae
Pigmentation changes
HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 week)
Acneform lesions
Folliculitis
Itching
Black Box Warning:
The black box warning for hydrocortisone involves, Extended usage of hydrocortisone can contribute to this illness.
Stretch marks, bruises, and other skin issues can develop as a result of prolonged usage of hydrocortisone, which can also thin and lose its flexibility of the skin.
Increased intraocular pressure brought on by hydrocortisone can result in cataract or glaucoma development.
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindication:
Caution:
Pregnancy warnings:
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown
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 lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus 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 available 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
A synthetic glucocorticoid, hydrocortisone topical imitates the effects of cortisol, a hormone the body naturally produces. It is used to treat a few skin disorders and has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
Pharmacodynamics
A synthetic glucocorticoid called hydrocortisone binds to certain intracellular receptors called glucocorticoid receptors (GRs).
After hydrocortisone binds to GRs, it generates multiple pharmacological actions. It lessens inflammation by preventing the transcription of genes that make chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
In order to preserve the skin’s integrity, hydrocortisone can reduce the synthesis of collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Most topical hydrocortisone is absorbed into the skin. The concentration of the medicine, the formulation, the quality of the skin, and the period of application are only a few examples of the variables that might affect the pace and degree of absorption. When being applied topically, hydrocortisone can pass through the dermis and epidermal layers of the skin and enter the bloodstream.
Distribution
After systemic absorption, hydrocortisone disperses broadly throughout the body. It may bind to albumin and transcortin and is strongly protein-bound. While using the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding, care should be exercised because hydrocortisone can pass the placenta and go into breast milk.
Metabolism
Cytochrome P450 enzymes, metabolize hydrocortisone in the liver. The principal metabolites are eliminated in the urine because they are inactive.
Elimination and excretion
Most of the excretion of hydrocortisone and its metabolites occurs in the urine. hydrocortisone topical has a short elimination half-life of 2–3 hours. As a result, the medicine leaves the body fast.
Administration
There are several different formulations of hydrocortisone topical, including creams, ointments, gels, and lotions. Usually, the drug is given topically to the skin’s surface where it is needed.
Before administering the drug, clean the afflicted area with a gentle soap and water and pat it dry. By doing this, you can help prevent any germs, oil, or debris from interfering with the medication’s absorption.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: hydrocortisone topical
Why do we use hydrocortisone topical?
A corticosteroid drug called hydrocortisone topical is used to treat a few skin problems.
Itching, redness, and inflammation are some of the signs of eczema that can be treated with hydrocortisone topical.
Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis are just a few of the dermatitis kinds that can be treated with hydrocortisone topical.
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