What is Aquanil Hc: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Aquanil Hc overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ala-Scalp HP, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Aquanil Hc, Anti-Itch, Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing, Cortaid Maximum Strength, Ala-Cort, Dermarest Dricort, Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength, Cortizone-10 Eczema, Cortizone-10 Easy Relief, Cortizone-10 Diabetics' Skin, Cortizone-10 Cooling Relief, Corta-Cap, Cortisone, Aclovate, Ala-Cort, Ala-Scalp HP, Anti-Itch, Apexicon E, Aqua Glycolic HC Scalp & Body, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Aquanil Hc, Beser, Beser Kit, Bryhali, Capex, Clobetavix, Clobex, Clodan

Generic Names:

  • Hydrocortisone

Uses:

  • Treats skin swelling, redness, itching, and discomfort caused by insect bites, poison ivy, mild burns, skin rashes, sunburn, and other reasons., Treats skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other types of skin problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anti-Inflammatory, Corticosteroid, Intermediate, Corticosteroid, Weak, Anti-Inflammatory, Corticosteroid, Intermediate, Corticosteroid, Strong, Corticosteroid, Very Strong, Corticosteroid, Weak, Dermatological Agent

Forms:

  • Pad, Stick, Tape, Cream, Foam, Shampoo, Gel/Jelly, Aerosol, Lotion, Oil, Ointment, Liquid, Spray, Cream, Kit, Ointment, Lotion, Spray, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin, On the skin

What is Aquanil Hc used for?

What form(s) does Aquanil Hc come in

  • Pad

  • Stick

  • Tape

  • Cream

  • Foam

  • Shampoo

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Aerosol

  • Lotion

  • Oil

  • Ointment

  • Liquid

  • Spray

  • Cream

  • Kit

  • Ointment

  • Lotion

  • Spray

  • Foam

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Stick

  • Liquid

What are common Aquanil Hc doses?

  • Bottle 120ML of 1%

How to take Aquanil Hc

  • Lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or liquid: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Spray: Topical application routeShake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds. To apply to your face, spray into the palm of your hand and rub in gently.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor. Do not cover the treated skin with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if you are using this medicine on a child's diaper area.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • This medicine is for use on skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeDo not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • .Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or liquid: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • This medicine is for use on skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • .Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor. Do not cover the treated skin with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if you are using this medicine on a child's diaper area.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Spray: Topical application routeShake the aerosol can just before using. Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the skin and spray for about 2 seconds. To apply to your face, spray into the palm of your hand and rub in gently.

  • Topical application routeDo not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on diaper rash or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

  • For Dermatop(R) cream or ointment: Do not let the medicine come in contact with products that contain latex, such as condoms and diaphragms. The cream and ointment can damage the latex and the product may not be effective.

  • For the cream, liquid, lotion, ointment, or gel: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You might need to shake the liquid or lotion before using it.

  • For the spray or foam: Do not inhale the spray. Do not use the spray or foam near heat or an open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the can.

  • For the shampoo: Wet hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for the correct number of minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

  • For the tape: Apply the correct amount of tape directly on your skin and leave it on your skin. You will need to change the tape once or twice a day, depending on the problem being treated. Do not put tape on skin creases, such as your underarm area.

  • This medicine might come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine). Make sure you understand how to use the applicator. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • If this medicine is to be used on the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

  • For Dermatop(R) cream or ointment: Do not let the medicine come in contact with products that contain latex, such as condoms and diaphragms. The cream and ointment can damage the latex and the product may not be effective.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • For the shampoo: Wet hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for the correct number of minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

  • If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • For the cream, liquid, lotion, ointment, or gel: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You might need to shake the liquid or lotion before using it.

  • For the tape: Apply the correct amount of tape directly on your skin and leave it on your skin. You will need to change the tape once or twice a day, depending on the problem being treated. Do not put tape on skin creases, such as your underarm area.

  • If this medicine is to be used on the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

  • This medicine might come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine). Make sure you understand how to use the applicator. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

  • For the spray or foam: Do not inhale the spray. Do not use the spray or foam near heat or an open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the can.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on diaper rash or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

What to do if you miss a dose of Aquanil Hc

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Aquanil Hc contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone. You should not use this medicine on a baby. It may be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful side effects. You should not use to treat chicken pox or for a vaginal itch when you also have a discharge.

Aquanil Hc warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. It may also cause you to get infections more easily, so tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.

  • This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • You should not use this medicine for a longer period of time than your doctor ordered.

  • Before using this medicine, let your doctor know if you have diabetes, a stomach ulcer, or tuberculosis (TB).

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or do not clear up after 7 days of treatment.

  • You may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine if you are over 60 years of age.

Aquanil Hc interactions

  • Do not use any other medicine that contains a steroid while you are using this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • You may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine if you are over 60 years of age.

  • You should not use this medicine for a longer period of time than your doctor ordered.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or do not clear up after 7 days of treatment.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. It may also cause you to get infections more easily, so tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.

  • This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Aquanil Hc side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Red or swollen skin.

  • Pus or blisters on the skin.

  • Acne.

  • Burning, itching, or peeling skin.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss

  • Rapid weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

  • Redness, swelling, or pus

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning, itching, irritation, dryness

  • Poor healing of skin

  • Acne.

  • Red or swollen skin.

  • Burning, itching, or peeling skin.

  • Pus or blisters on the skin.

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