Urea/Hydrocortisone Topical

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Carmol HC, U-Cort

Hydrocortisone: anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions; mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of topical corticosteroids unclear

Indicated for relief of inflammation and pruritic associated with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Extent determined by many factors including vehicle, integrity of epidermal barrier, use of occlusive dressings

Hypersensitivity to any components of preparation

Hepatic insufficiency

• Burning
• Itching
• Irritation
• Dryness
• Folliculitis
• Hypertrichosis
• Acneiform eruptions
• Hypopigmentation
• Perioral dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Maceration of the skin
• Secondary infection
• Skin atrophy
• Striae
• Miliaria

Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial infection

Contains sodium metabisulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia and glucosuria

Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use and the addition of occlusive dressings Evaluate susceptible patients periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests; If HPA axis suppression is noted, withdraw the drug, reduce frequency of application, or substitute less potent steroid

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: Systemic hydrocortisone is excreted in breast milk, use caution