Introduction
Topicort Cream is a topical steroid used for treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema. It prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation and provides relief from swelling, redness, and itching in the affected area.
Topicort Cream is meant only for external use and should be used as advised by your doctor. You should normally clean and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of the medicine evenly on the affected skin. You should not apply it on open wounds or damaged skin.
Use it regularly to get the maximum benefit from it. Avoid any contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse it off with plenty of water in case of accidental contact. Avoid covering the treated area with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor.
It is usually well tolerated with little or no side effects. However it may cause application site reactions such as burning, irritation, itching, and redness in some people. These side effects are temporary and usually go away with time. However, if they persist or worsen, let your doctor know. It is important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to consult their doctors before using this medicine.
Side effects of Topicort Cream
Common
- Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)
How to use Topicort Cream
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.
How Topicort Cream works
Topicort Cream is a steroid medicine which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers that make the skin red, swollen and itchy.
Indication
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Contact allergic dermatitis, Eczema - atopic; infantile; discoid; stasis, Seborrheic dermatitis, Skin irritations, itching and rashes, for example those caused by insect bites, minor thermal burns, sunburn, etc.
Adult Dose
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Adult: Apply a thin film onto affected area 2-3 times daily.
Child Dose
Atopic Dermatitis
<3 months: Safety and efficacy not established
>3 months: Apply film to affected area q12hr
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Apply q6-12hr
Dosing considerations
Limit to the minimum amount necessary for therapeutic efficacy
Contraindication
Viral/fungal infections, tubercular or syphilitic lesions, bacterial infections unless used in conjunction with appropriate chemotherapy.
Mode of Action
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Its anti-inflammatory action is due to the suppression of migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It may also be used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency.
Precaution
DM, elderly, patients on prolonged therapy. Pregnancy and lactation.
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Side Effect
Skin atrophy,Striae,Acneform lesions,Perioral dermatitis,Folliculitis,Itching,Pigmentation changes,HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 wk)
Interaction
Thiazides may enhance hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia caused by corticosteroids. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum conc of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents. Ethanol may enhance gastric mucosal irritation. Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Mutual inhibition of metabolism between ciclosporin and corticosteroids increase plasma conc of both drugs. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.