Cortizone-5

Generic name: Hydrocortisone Topical
Drug class: Topical steroids

Usage of Cortizone-5

Cortizone-5 (for the skin) is a steroid that is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

There are many brands and forms of hydrocortisone topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Cortizone-5 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cortizone-5 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cortizone-5 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

worsening of your skin condition;

redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

possible signs of absorbing Cortizone-5 through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Cortizone-5

You should not use Cortizone-5 if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

any type of skin infection;

a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

liver disease; or

an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Do not give Cortizone-5 to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply Cortizone-5 to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

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How to use Cortizone-5

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using hydrocortisone, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Shake hydrocortisone lotion and spay well just before each use.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Stop using hydrocortisone and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse within 7 days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Cortizone-5

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.