Topicort Cream 20gm

Uses of Topicort Cream

• Manage all types of eczema, dermatitis, and insect bite reactions in affected individuals

How does Topicort Cream work?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid that works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies.

Side Effects of Topicort Cream

Weight gain, Vomiting, Nausea, High blood pressure, Increased glucose level in blood, Blurred vision

Quick Suggestions:

• Hydrocortisone helps treat inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems that require either reduction of inflammation or suppression of the immune system.
• Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
• Hydrocortisone can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.
• Side effects such as mood changes or stomach problems can happen when you start taking Hydrocortisone. Inform your doctor if this bothers you.
• Do not stop taking Hydrocortisone suddenly without talking to your doctor first as it may worsen your symptoms.

Indication of Topicort Cream

The anti-inflammatory activity of Topicort is its main therapeutic property. It also has immunosuppressant and antimitotic actions. Topicort is indicated for:

• Primary irritant dermatitis
• Contact allergic dermatitis
• Eczema: atopic, infantile, discoid, stasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Lichen simplex and pruritus ani
• Flexural psoriasis
• Skin irritations, itching, and rashes, for example, those caused by insect bites, minor thermal burns, sunburn, etc.

Pharmacology

Hydrocortisone binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor, the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA-bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing an increase in the expression of specific target genes.

The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins and phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition of arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Specifically, glucocorticoids induce lipocortin-1 (annexin-1) synthesis, which then binds to cell membranes, preventing phospholipase A2 from coming into contact with its substrate arachidonic acid. This leads to diminished eicosanoid production. The cyclooxygenase (both COX-1 and COX-2) expression is also suppressed, potentiating the effect.

In other words, the two main products in inflammation, Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes, are inhibited by the action of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids also stimulate the lipocortin-1 escaping to the extracellular space, where it binds to the leukocyte membrane receptors and inhibits various inflammatory events: epithelial adhesion, emigration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and the release of various inflammatory mediators (lysosomal enzymes, cytokines, tissue plasminogen activator, chemokines, etc.) from neutrophils, macrophages, and mastocytes. Additionally, the immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding.

Dosage & Administration of Topicort Cream

Hydrocortisone should be applied in a small quantity to the affected area 2 or 3 times daily.

Directions for Use:

• Always apply Topicort Cream as directed by your physician. It is for external use only.
• Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area. Managed areas on the face should not be covered with a plaster/bandage.
• Avoid applying this medicine around your eyes, including eyelids.
• Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Interaction

Inform your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

Contraindications

• Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal.
• Skin ulcers.
• Hypersensitivity to the preparation.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is inadequate evidence for safety in human pregnancy. It is recommended that topical corticosteroids should not be used extensively during pregnancy. It is highly unlikely that sufficiently high blood levels of Hydrocortisone are achieved during topical therapy to reach breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

• In infants and children, long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided where possible, as adrenal suppression can occur.
• As with all corticosteroids, prolonged application to the face is undesirable.

Storage:

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.