Label: HYDROCORTISONE cream

  • NDC Code(s): 51672-3003-0, 51672-3003-2, 51672-3004-2
  • Packager: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
  • Category: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
  • DEA Schedule: None
  • Marketing Status: Abbreviated New Drug Application

Drug Label Information

Updated December 18, 2023

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  • SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

    FOR DERMATOLOGICAL USE ONLY
    NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE

    Rx only

  • DESCRIPTION

    The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents. Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% and Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% contain hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a white to practically white crystalline powder. Chemically, hydrocortisone is pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11,17, 21-trihydroxy-, (11ß)-. Hydrocortisone has the molecular formula C 21H 30O 5and molecular weight of 362.47. The structural formula is:

    Hydrocortisone
    Chemical Structure

    Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% (Each gram contains 10 mg of Hydrocortisone); Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% (Each gram contains 25 mg of Hydrocortisone) in a base containing cetyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate, methylparaben, mineral oil and lanolin alcohol, polyoxyl 40 stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol monostearate, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sorbic acid, and sorbitan monostearate.

  • CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.

    The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

    Pharmacokinetics

    The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

    Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption.

    Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

    Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Topical corticosteroids are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

  • PRECAUTIONS

    General

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

    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.

    Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid.

    Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids.

    Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (see PRECAUTIONS-Pediatric Use).

    If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

    In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

    Information for the Patient

    Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions:

    1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
    2. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.
    3. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician.
    4. Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing.
    5. Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.

    Laboratory Tests

    The following tests may be helpful in evaluating HPA axis suppression:

    • Urinary free cortisol test
    • ACTH stimulation test

    Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility

    Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids.

    Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results.

    Pregnancy

    Teratogenic Effects

    Pregnancy Category C

    Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

    Nursing Mothers

    It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities notlikely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.

    Pediatric Use

    Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio.

    Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.

    Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria.

  • OVERDOSAGE

    Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS).

  • DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Apply to the affected area as a thin film 2 to 4 times daily depending on the severity of the condition.

    Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions.

    If an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted.

  • HOW SUPPLIED

    Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% is supplied in 28.35 g tubes (NDC 51672-3004-2)

    Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% is supplied in 20 g tubes (NDC 51672-3003-0) and 28.35 g tubes (NDC 51672-3003-2)

    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)[see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.

  • SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

    Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1
    Dist. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

    Revised: November 2014
    PK-4245-2
    357
    1114-2

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 28.35 g Tube Carton

    NDC 51672-3003-2

    28.35 g

    Hydrocortisone
    Cream USP, 2.5%

    FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
    NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE.

    Rx only

    Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

    TARO

    hydrocortisone-02

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 28.35 g Tube Carton

    NDC 51672-3004-2

    28.35 g

    Hydrocortisone
    Cream USP, 1%

    FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
    NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE.

    Rx only

    Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

    TARO

    Principal Display Panel - 28.35 g Tube Carton
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    HYDROCORTISONE 
    hydrocortisone cream
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:51672-3004
    Route of AdministrationTOPICAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    HYDROCORTISONE (UNII: WI4X0X7BPJ) (HYDROCORTISONE - UNII:WI4X0X7BPJ) HYDROCORTISONE10 mg  in 1 g
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    MINERAL OIL (UNII: T5L8T28FGP)  
    LANOLIN ALCOHOLS (UNII: 884C3FA9HE)  
    ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (UNII: 8CRQ2TH63M)  
    POLYSORBATE 60 (UNII: CAL22UVI4M)  
    CETYL ALCOHOL (UNII: 936JST6JCN)  
    SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE (UNII: NVZ4I0H58X)  
    POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE (UNII: 13A4J4NH9I)  
    SORBIC ACID (UNII: X045WJ989B)  
    METHYLPARABEN (UNII: A2I8C7HI9T)  
    PROPYLPARABEN (UNII: Z8IX2SC1OH)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorwhiteScore    
    ShapeSize
    FlavorImprint Code
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:51672-3004-21 in 1 CARTON04/28/2005
    128.35 g in 1 TUBE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA08615504/28/2005
    HYDROCORTISONE 
    hydrocortisone cream
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:51672-3003
    Route of AdministrationTOPICAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    HYDROCORTISONE (UNII: WI4X0X7BPJ) (HYDROCORTISONE - UNII:WI4X0X7BPJ) HYDROCORTISONE25 mg  in 1 g
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    MINERAL OIL (UNII: T5L8T28FGP)  
    LANOLIN ALCOHOLS (UNII: 884C3FA9HE)  
    ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (UNII: 8CRQ2TH63M)  
    POLYSORBATE 60 (UNII: CAL22UVI4M)  
    CETYL ALCOHOL (UNII: 936JST6JCN)  
    SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE (UNII: NVZ4I0H58X)  
    POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE (UNII: 13A4J4NH9I)  
    SORBIC ACID (UNII: X045WJ989B)  
    METHYLPARABEN (UNII: A2I8C7HI9T)  
    PROPYLPARABEN (UNII: Z8IX2SC1OH)  
    Product Characteristics
    ColorwhiteScore    
    ShapeSize
    FlavorImprint Code
    Contains    
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC:51672-3003-01 in 1 CARTON04/28/2005
    120 g in 1 TUBE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    2NDC:51672-3003-21 in 1 CARTON04/28/2005
    228.35 g in 1 TUBE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    ANDAANDA08879904/28/2005
    Labeler - Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (145186370)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.206263295manufacture(51672-3004, 51672-3003)