ANTI-ITCH SPRAY (hydrocortisone)

Drug overview for ANTI-ITCH SPRAY (hydrocortisone):

Generic name: HYDROCORTISONE (HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone)
Drug class: Topical Corticosteroids
Therapeutic class: Dermatological

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex.

Hydrocortisone and its acetate, buteprate, butyrate, and valerate esters share the actions of other topical corticosteroids and are used for the relief of inflammatory manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, including dermatoses of the anogenital areas. Nonprescription preparations containing 0.5% hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone acetate are used for the temporary relief of minor skin irritations, itching, and rashes caused by eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry; for temporary relief of itchy anal and/or genital areas; and for temporary relief of itching and minor scalp irritation caused by scalp dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone acetate also is used as a paste for adjunctive treatment to provide temporary relief of symptoms associated with oral inflammatory or ulcerative lesions resulting from trauma. Hydrocortisone also is administered rectally as a retention enema for the adjunctive treatment of mild or moderate acute ulcerative colitis limited to the rectosigmoid or left colon and, to a lesser extent, in some patients with mild ulcerative colitis of the transverse or descending colon. Hydrocortisone acetate is administered rectally as a suppository or an aerosol foam suspension for the adjunctive treatment of ulcerative colitis of the rectum.

As rectal suppositories, hydrocortisone acetate is used in the treatment of other inflammatory conditions of the anorectum (e.g., inflamed hemorrhoids, postirradiation or factitial proctitis, cryptitis, pruritus ani). For EENT and systemic uses of hydrocortisone, see 52:08 and 68:04, respectively.