Topicort 20gm

Indications
Hydrocortisone Acetate is indicated in:
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
Therapeutic Class
Other Topical corticosteroids
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 the increase in expression of specific target genes. The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Specifically glucocorticoids induce lipocortin-1 (annexin-1) synthesis, which then binds to cell membranes preventing the 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
Hydrocortisone cream should be applied in a thin smear to the affected area one to two times per day or as directed by the physician. The recommended duration of treatment is usually two weeks. For rectal use apply to the irritated anorectal tissue in the morning and at evening and after each bowel movement for two to six days.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in infections (bacterial; viral; fungal), skin ulcers, hypersensitivity to the preparation
Side Effects
Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% cream is usually well-tolerated, but if signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should be stopped.