What is Hydrocortisone Acetate? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Hydrocortisone Acetate

• Follow the directions printed on the package or that come with the medicine.

• Using hydrocortisone acetate cream or ointment:

  • Wash your hands.

  • If using it around the anus, gently clean the area around the anus with a mild soap. Rinse the area thoroughly and gently dry it before application.

  • Talk to a doctor before using topical hydrocortisone around the anus or vulva of a child younger than 18 years old.

  • Apply the cream or ointment to the affected area three to four times daily.

  • Store hydrocortisone cream or ointment at room temperature.

• Administering hydrocortisone acetate suppositories:

  • Hydrocortisone suppositories treat hemorrhoids, proctitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the anus and rectum.

  • Follow the doctor’s instructions. The daily dosage may be higher than the recommended dosage.

  • Detach one suppository from the suppository strip, carefully open the package, and remove the suppository. 

  • Do not handle the suppository too much. Administer the suppository when you remove it from its package.

  • Hold the suppository with the tip facing up.

  • Insert the pointed end of the suppository into the anus.

  • Gently push the rest of the suppository into the rectum.

  • Wash your hands.

  • Store hydrocortisone suppositories in their packaging at room temperature. Protect this medicine from excessive heat. Do not freeze.

• Administering hydrocortisone acetate foam:

  • Hydrocortisone acetate foam treats ulcerative proctitis.

  • Always use the applicator to administer doses.

  • Shake the foam container for five to 10 seconds.

  • Hold the container upright on a flat surface.

  • Place the applicator tip over the nose of the container cap.

  • Pull the plunger of the applicator past the fill line.

  • Press the cap flanges for five to 10 seconds.

  • Wait for the foam to expand.

  • Press the cap flanges again and allow the foam to expand.

  • Repeat until the foam reaches the fill line.

  • Gently insert the tip of the applicator into the anus.

  • Push down the plunger until all the foam has been pushed out.

  • When finished, wash the applicator parts in warm water.

  • Pull off the container cap and tip. Rinse in warm water. 

  • Store the hydrocortisone foam container upright at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

  • Do not puncture the container. Do not expose the container to flames or temperatures higher than 120˚.

What to do if you miss a dose of Hydrocortisone Acetate

• If a dose of topical hydrocortisone is missed, take it when remembered.

• Do not apply more than four doses of topical hydrocortisone in a day.

• Ask the prescriber what to do if a dose of rectal hydrocortisone is missed.

• Do not double up a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Hydrocortisone Acetate contraindications - Who shouldn't take Hydrocortisone Acetate?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone Acetate warnings

For topical hydrocortisone acetate:

• Before using OTC hydrocortisone acetate, consult with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Do not use over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone acetate:

  • For diaper rash

  • For genital itching if you have vaginal discharge

  • In the rectum

  • In children younger than 2 years of age

• Do not get this medicine in your eyes.

• Stop taking this medicine and contact a healthcare provider if:

  • Symptoms don’t improve

  • Symptoms recur

  • The anus starts bleeding (when the medicine is used around the anus)

• Keep out of reach of children.

For prescription (rectal) hydrocortisone acetate:

• Before using rectal hydrocortisone acetate, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • Active or latent infections, particularly fungal infections or tuberculosis

  • Been exposed to chickenpox or measles

• Although very little hydrocortisone acetate is absorbed into the bloodstream, rectal hydrocortisone could cause serious side effects, including:

  • Infections

  • Heart problems

  • High blood pressure

  • Electrolyte imbalances

  • Glaucoma

  • Cataracts

  • Adrenal gland suppression

• This medicine makes you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell the prescriber right away.

Hydrocortisone Acetate interactions & what to avoid when taking Hydrocortisone Acetate

• Do not use any other hydrocortisone drugs when using OTC topical hydrocortisone.

• Drug interactions are very rare for topical hydrocortisone and rare for rectal hydrocortisone.

• Before starting prescription rectal hydrocortisone, tell the prescriber about all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take, particularly:

  • NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

  • Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin

  • Estrogens, including birth control pills

  • Diabetes medications, including insulin

  • Drugs that make you urinate (diuretics)

  • Drugs that treat myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s called cholinesterase inhibitors

  • Amphotericin B, aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digitalis, isoniazid, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, warfarin

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccine(s). Do not get a live vaccine when using hydrocortisone.