Hydrocortisone (Topical)

(hye droe KOR ti sone)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to hydrocortisone or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has a bad infection.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat skin rashes.
• It is used to treat signs of hemorrhoids or rectal irritation.

How does this drug work?

• Hydrocortisone lowers or stops the body's reaction to the allergen.
• It lowers the body's harmful response to diseases of the immune system.
• It stops or lowers irritation and swelling.

How is this drug given?

• Rectal:
• Suppository, rectal cream, foam, or rectal suspension is for rectal use only.
• Take foil off the rectal suppository and put in, pointed end first. Do not handle too much. Ask your child to try and keep the suppository in for 1-3 hours.
• Skin:
• Do not give by mouth. Use on your child's skin only. Keep out of your child's mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.
• If using on your child's groin, use a little bit. Do not dress your child in tight clothing.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better a few days after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by your doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Skin irritation.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows any signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color or sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• If your child is feeling very tired, weak, or touchy; is trembling; has a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if a dose was missed or the drug was recently stopped.
• If your child has very bad bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.
• If your child has very bad skin irritation.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Your child may only get some products of this drug by drug order. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If no refills are left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.