What is Hydrocortisone Butyrate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Hydrocortisone Butyrate 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

Generic Names:

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate

Uses:

  • Treats skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other types of skin problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anti-Inflammatory, Corticosteroid, Intermediate, Corticosteroid, Weak

Forms:

  • Cream, Kit, Ointment, Lotion, Spray, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Hydrocortisone Butyrate used for?

Locoid works to minimize the actions of chemicals in the body that cause the skin to become inflamed due to irritation. This medication treats conditions such as psoriasis, allergic reactions, or eczema. Locoid will not treat skin infections.

What form(s) does Hydrocortisone Butyrate come in

  • Cream

  • Kit

  • Ointment

  • Lotion

  • Spray

  • Foam

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Stick

  • Liquid

What are common Hydrocortisone Butyrate doses?

  • Tube 15GM of 0.1%

  • Tube 45GM of 0.1%

  • Bottle 20ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 59ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 60ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 118ML of 0.1%

Common Hydrocortisone Butyrate prescriptions

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    118ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    20ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    59ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    60ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    15gm of 0.1% tube

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    45gm of 0.1% tube

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    15gm of 0.1% tube of cream

  • Hydrocortisone Butyrate
    45gm of 0.1% tube of ointment

How to take Hydrocortisone Butyrate

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Hydrocortisone Butyrate

Hydrocortisone Butyrate contraindications

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

Hydrocortisone Butyrate 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.

Hydrocortisone Butyrate interactions

  • 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.

Hydrocortisone Butyrate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • 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

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