Hydrocortisone valerate
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment is a topical medication used for treating various skin conditions, including dermatitis, allergies, rash, and eczema. Such medical conditions cause redness, swelling, itching, and other discomfort. Hydrocortisone, being a medium-strength corticosteroid, helps relieve these discomforts. Doctors usually advise applying a thin layer of this ointment on the affected areas, with proper application steps. The medication is suitable for both adults and children, but patients should be checked often by a medical professional, especially children. While the drug helps in relieving discomfort caused by skin conditions, it can have certain side effects. Therefore, patients are advised to consult with a medical provider before starting their treatment with Hydrocortisone valerate ointment.
Hydrocortisone Valerate Overview
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment is a medium-strength corticosteroid medication prescribed for the treatment of various skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Its main active ingredient is hydrocortisone valerate, which helps reduce burning, redness, and itching associated with these conditions. Hydrocortisone valerate works by repressing the immune response that leads to skin inflammation. This medication is FDA-approved and available only by prescription, thus ensuring its safety and efficacy for patients.
This topical medication is available in various forms, each with its distinct strengths. It is typically applied on the skin in a thin layer to the infected area twice to thrice daily, as directed by a medical practitioner. Suitable for use by adults and children over the age of two, it is essential to follow the advised dosage and duration of treatment to achieve the best results. The ointment penetrates the skin and reduces inflammatory cells and mediators, thus alleviating symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions.
There are a few common side effects of Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, including burning, itching, irritation, and dryness at the application site. Avoid using this ointment on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed by a physician. Patients should inform their medical professional about any allergies they may have or other medications they are using to avoid potential interactions. If a dose is missed, it should be applied as soon as remembered, but not if it is almost time for the next dose. In case of an overdose, get medical attention immediately. Store the ointment at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.
Uses of Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment
Hydrocortisone is widely used for treating various skin conditions and helps relieve itching, redness, swelling, and discomfort. These conditions are as follows:
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): It is a chronic, itchy, and inflamed skin condition that often develops in childhood. It is not a contagious condition but has genetic and allergic risk factors.
- Contact Dermatitis: It is indicated as a rash that is generally itchy. This condition is triggered by allergens upon skin contact, causing blisters and pain.
- Allergies: These conditions occur when an individual’s immune system reacts to harmless substances (allergens). Its symptoms may include sneezing, itching, or rashes.
- Rash: These are classified as red, bumpy, and often itchy skin. The appearance and causes of rash may vary.
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Dosage
Strengths and Forms
Hydrocortisone valerate comes in different forms, each having distinct strengths:
Topical Cream
- 0.1%
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
Topical Lotion
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2%
- 2.5%
Topical Gel
- 1%
Topical Solution
- 1%
- 2.5%
Topical Ointment
- 0.2%
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 2.5%
Recommended Hydrocortisone Valerate Dosage for Different Patients
The effects and dose of this medication will differ depending on the patient’s body needs and conditions. The following information consists of only the average doses of Hydrocortisone valerate ointment. If your medical provider prescribed a different dosage schedule, do not change it unless directed otherwise.
- For Adults: If you have redness, itching, or swelling of the skin, apply ointment to the infected area, generally two or three times a day.
- For Children: The dose must be determined by a medical professional.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Take Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment?
- Be careful while using the ointment, and use the medication on the skin only. Avoid applying it on the face, underarms, or groin.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions while applying the ointment.
- Do not exceed or subceed the doses without talking to a medical professional.
- Before applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Clean and dry the infected area(s) of the skin with a clean cloth or using water.
- Apply a thin layer of your ointment on the affected area and rub it with a light hand, generally 2 to 3 times daily or as your healthcare provider instructs.
- Wash your hands again once you have applied the ointment. If you are using the medication on your hands, avoid washing it.
- If you are using it near your eyes, make sure to avoid getting it in the eye as it can cause glaucoma or may worsen the condition.
- Do not use the medication for a longer period; follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Use this drug solely to treat the condition for which it was prescribed.
- If the condition does not go away in 2 weeks or gets worse, contact your medical practitioner right away.
- Do not use the medication on open wounds or inflamed and burned skin.
- Avoid wrapping or using a bandage on the affected skin.
- If your doctor has ordered you to cover the medicated area with a special patch or kitchen plastic wrap, learn how to apply it correctly.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Work?
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment reduces inflammation, redness, and itching in the skin. It contains hydrocortisone valerate, a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune response that causes inflammation. When applied to affected areas, it penetrates the skin and reduces the activity of inflammatory cells and mediators. This action helps to ease symptoms associated with conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. The ointment provides relief and promotes healing, making it an effective treatment for numerous inflammatory skin conditions.
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Side Effects
Common side effects of Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment may include:
- Skin rash
- Skin scaling
- Stinging
- Burning skin
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Poor healing of the skin
Adverse/Serious side effects of Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment may include:
- Stretch marks
- Skin thinning
- Skin discoloration
- Acne
- Extreme hair growth
- Folliculitis (small red bumps on the skin)
- Extreme tiredness
- Sudden weight loss
- Headache
- Swelling on ankles or feet
- Feeling thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Vision problems
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling on the face, throat, or tongue
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Warnings
- Potency in Children: Hydrocortisone valerate may cause systemic effects in children as the ointment is absorbed proportionally more deeply into their skin when applied topically.
- Increased Absorption: Occlusive dressings, prolonged use, or application to large or damaged skin areas may increase absorption, risking Cushing syndrome, glycosuria, and hyperglycemia.
- Kaposi’s Sarcoma: Prolonged use of Hydrocortisone valerate may increase the risk of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
- Infections: Prolonged use of this ointment may increase the risk of secondary infections, mask acute infections, limit vaccine response, and worsen viral infections. Therefore, patients should avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox when taking this medication. Moreover, it is not for use in ocular herpes simplex, cerebral malaria, fungal infections, or viral hepatitis.
- Myopathy: High doses of Hydrocortisone valerate can cause acute myopathy, especially in patients with neuromuscular disorders.
- Psychiatric Effects: Corticosteroids may cause euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, and personality changes in some patients.
- Allergic Reactions: Studies have reported that patients develop allergic contact dermatitis when using hydrocortisone valerate. Therefore, people are advised to discontinue the use of this medication if they experience any unusual signs and treat it if it happens.
- Adrenal Suppression: This medication may suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, especially with high doses or prolonged use, leading to an adrenal crisis.
- Local Irritation: The medication may cause irritation or redness. Discontinue if these occur.
- Caution in Certain Conditions: There are some groups of patients who are advised to remain cautions while using this medication. These groups include people with the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Liver or kidney impairment
- Recent heart attack
- Myasthenia gravis
- Osteoporosis
- Eye diseases, and
- Thyroid disease
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Precautions
- Before undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, tell your healthcare provider beforehand about the products you use, including all prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- If you are applying the medication to your child’s skin, closely monitor them and ensure that they do not get any medicine in their eyes or mouth. This can result in serious side effects in children.
- If you or your child develop any skin rash, stinging, burning, irritation, or swelling, discontinue using the medication and contact your medical provider right away.
- Avoid getting the ointment in your nose, mouth, or eyes. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse it immediately with water.
- If you are using the ointment in your area near your child’s diaper, do not make them weak, tight-fitted diapers or plastic pants. These clothing increase the risk of medicine absorption through the skin, thus leading to side effects.
- Avoid using any cosmetics or beauty products on the treated skin.
- Frequently visit your healthcare provider’s clinic. They will check your and your child’s progress for any unwanted side effects that may caused by the use of Hydrocortisone valerate ointment.
- If you are starting your treatment with Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, tell your healthcare practitioner beforehand about your medical history, especially of:
- Diabetes
- Eye problems
- Infections, including rectal sores
- Liver problems
- Stomach or intestinal issues
- Ask your doctor about the duration of Hydrocortisone valerate ointment because the prolonged use of this medication makes your body unable to respond to stress. While very unlikely, it can be dangerous for your health. So, seek medical assistance.
- This medication may temporarily hinder your child’s growth. It is very rare, but do not take any risk. Regularly visit your doctor’s clinic and examine your child’s growth progress.
- The usage of this medication during pregnancy is only allowed when clearly needed. Therefore, pregnant women or those who are planning to have a baby should consult with a medical professional first and discuss every risk and benefit associated with it.
- There is no specific information on whether the drug enters into the breast milk or not. So, if you are a lactating mother, discuss with a medical expert if you can breastfeed your child while taking this medication.
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Contraindications
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment is contraindicated in patients:
- Who has a medical history of hypersensitivity to the drug or any of the components of the medication.
- Who have the following conditions:
- Bacterial or fungal skin infections
- Skin tuberculosis
- Syphilitic skin infections
- Chickenpox
- Rashes due to vaccinations and viral diseases
- Who has any underlying infections.
- It is not intended for ophthalmic use.
- Patients undergoing treatment with diaper dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Missed Dose
Patients are generally advised to take their doses on time and not skip any of them. However, if someone has mistakenly forget to apply their Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, they can take the following actions:
- Apply the ointment on the affected area as soon as possible or whenever remembered.
- If the next applying time is close, you may omit the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not apply the ointment two times simultaneously to catch up for the missing dose.
- Try to apply the medication at the same time each day for effective results.
- Use medication apps or set reminders on your phone to avoid missing any doses.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Overdose
When you apply HydroVal (hydrocortisone valerate) ointment to the skin, it can be absorbed into your bloodstream. This absorption can increase if you use large amounts, cover the area with a bandage, or use it for a long time. If the medication gets absorbed in too much amount, it can cause serious side effects, including hormonal imbalances and adrenal gland problems. So, if you are experiencing such effects, discontinue the use gradually, as abruptly stopping the ointment use can lead to complications.
There are other side effects, too, which are as follows:
- Easy bruising
- Stomach ulcers
- High blood pressure
- Worsened infections
- Excessive hair growth
- Acne
- Swelling, and
- Muscle weakness
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Storage
- Store the ointment at a room temperature of 15-25°C.
- Keep the medication away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Keep them out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.
- Discard the product when it passes its expiration date.
- Ask your medical practitioner or pharmacist how you can dispose of the product when not in use without harming the environment.
- Read the product’s label for detailed storage instructions.
- Avoid flushing the medication down the toilet.
- Do not keep them in moist or damp places like the bathroom or near the sink.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Interactions
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment is sold under the brand name Westcort. This medication can have various drug interactions. Here is a list of a few drugs:
- Acarbose
- Acetohexamide
- Bexagliflozin
- Canagliflozin
- Chlorpropamide
- Dapagliflozin
- Dulaglutide
- Empagliflozin
- Ertugliflozin
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Linagliptin
- Liraglutide
- Lixisenatide
- Metformin
- Miglitol
- Nateglinide
- Pioglitazone
- Pramlintide
- Repaglinide
- Rosiglitazone
- Saxagliptin
- Semaglutide
- Sitagliptin
- Sotagliflozin
- Tirzepatide
- Tolazamide
- Tolbutamide
- Troglitazone
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment Alternatives
- Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
- Triamcinolone topical
- Dupixent
- Clobetasol topical
- Betamethasone topical
- Protopic
- Dupilumab
- Nucort
- Pandel
- Halcinonide
- Halobetasol propionate
- Halog
- Fluocinolone acetonide
- Fluocinolone acetonide body
- Fluocinolone acetonide scalp
- Clobex
- Clocortolone pivalate
- Clodan
- Aquanil Hc
- Aveeno Anti-Itch Max St
- Beta Hc
- Betamethasone Dipropionate
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hydrocortisone valerate ointment clear the face?
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment is not typically used to clear the face, especially for cosmetic purposes. While it can reduce inflammation and redness in conditions like eczema or dermatitis, it is not intended for general skin clearing. Using it on the face without medical advice can lead to skin thinning, a high risk of side effects, and potential worsening of skin issues. Therefore, it is always better to consult a medical professional before using it on the face.
Why can I not use Hydrocortisone valerate ointment on the underarms or on the face?
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment should not be used on the underarms or face due to the skin’s sensitivity in these areas. The skin here absorbs medications more readily, increasing the risk of side effects like thinning skin, irritation, and systemic absorption leading to hormonal imbalances. Using it in these areas without medical supervision can result in adverse effects and complications. Talk to your practitioner if you have skin problems in such areas.
Can I put Hydrocortisone valerate ointment on my pimples?
Hydrocortisone valerate ointment is not recommended for treating pimples or acne. While it can reduce inflammation, it is a corticosteroid designed for conditions like eczema and dermatitis, not for acne. Using it on pimples can lead to side effects such as skin thinning and increased irritation. For acne treatment, it is better to use products specifically designed for acne and consult a dermatologist for appropriate care.
What happens if I use cosmetics with Hydrocortisone valerate ointment?
Using cosmetics with Hydrocortisone valerate ointment can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness and increase the chances of skin irritation. Some cosmetics may contain ingredients that could react with the ointment, leading to adverse effects or impaired therapeutic benefits. It is best to avoid applying cosmetics over the treated areas and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on using skincare products with the ointment to ensure safe and effective treatment.
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