Cortate
hydrocortisone (topical)
(hye-droe-kor-ti-sone) hydrocortisone,Ala-Cort
(trade name),Ala-Scalp
(trade name),Anusol HC
(trade name),Barriere-HC
(trade name),CaldeCORT Anti-Itch
(trade name),Carmol HC
(trade name),Cortaid
(trade name),Cortate
(trade name),Corticaine
(trade name),Cortifoam
(trade name),Cortizone
(trade name),Cortoderm
(trade name),Emo-Cort
(trade name),Hyderm
(trade name),Hydroval
(trade name),Lanacort 9-1-1
(trade name),Locoid
(trade name),Nutracort
(trade name),Pandel
(trade name),Prevex HC
(trade name),Sarna HC
(trade name),Synacort
(trade name),Texacort
(trade name),Topiderm HC
(trade name),Uremol HC
(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: anti inflammatories steroidalPharmacologic: corticosteroids
Indications
Action
Therapeutic effects
Pharmacokinetics
Time/action profile (response depends on condition being treated)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
Topical | mins–hrs | hrs–days | hrs–days |
Contraindications/Precautions
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Dermatologic
- allergic contact dermatitis
- atrophy
- burning
- dryness
- edema
- folliculitis
- hypersensitivity reactions
- hypertrichosis
- hypopigmentation
- irritation
- maceration
- miliaria
- perioral dermatitis
- secondary infection
- striae
Miscellaneous
- adrenal suppression (use of occlusive dressings, long-term therapy)
Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction
None significant.Route/Dosage
Availability (generic available)
Nursing implications
Nursing assessment
- Assess affected skin before and daily during therapy. Note degree of inflammation and pruritus. Notify health care professional if symptoms of infection (increased pain, erythema, purulent exudate) develop.
- Lab Test Considerations: Periodic adrenal function tests may be ordered to assess degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression in chronic topical therapy if suspected. Children and patients with dose applied to a large area, using an occlusive dressing, or using high-potency products are at highest risk for HPA suppression.
- May cause increased serum and urine glucose concentrations if significant absorption occurs.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Risk for impaired skin integrity (Indications)Risk for infection (Side Effects)
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)
Implementation
- Choice of vehicle depends on site and type of lesion. Ointments are more occlusive and preferred for dry, scaly lesions. Creams should be used on oozing or intertriginous areas, where the occlusive action of ointments might cause folliculitis or maceration. Creams may be preferred for aesthetic reasons even though they may be more drying to skin than ointments. Gels, aerosols, lotions, and solutions are useful in hairy areas.
- Apply ointments, creams, or gels sparingly as a thin film to clean, slightly moist skin. Wash hands immediately after application. Apply occlusive dressing only if specified by physician or other health care professional.
- Apply lotion, solution, or gel to hair by parting hair and applying a small amount to affected area. Rub in gently. Protect area from washing, clothing, or rubbing until medication has dried. Hair may be washed as usual but not right after applying medication.
- Use aerosols by shaking well and spraying on affected area, holding container 3–6 in. away. Spray for about 2 sec to cover an area the size of a hand. Do not inhale. If spraying near face, cover eyes.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient on correct technique of medication administration. Emphasize importance of avoiding the eyes. If a dose is missed, it should be applied as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose.
- Caution patient to use only as directed. Avoid using cosmetics, bandages, dressings, or other skin products over the treated area unless directed by health care professional.
- Advise parents of pediatric patients not to apply tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child treated in the diaper area; these garments work like an occlusive dressing and may cause more of the drug to be absorbed.
- Advise patient to consult health care professional before using medicine for conditions other than indicated.
- Instruct patient to inform health care professional if symptoms of underlying disease return or worsen or if symptoms of infection develop.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- Resolution of skin inflammation, pruritus, or other dermatologic conditions.