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DERMATOLOGICALS › CORTICOSTEROIDS, DERMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS › CORTICOSTEROIDS, COMBINATIONS WITH ANTIBIOTICS › Corticosteroids, weak, combinations with antibiotics
hydrocortisone and antibiotics
D07CA01
Forms & Strengths
- Ointment: Hydrocortisone 1% + Oxytetracycline 3%
- Cream: Hydrocortisone 1% + Oxytetracycline 3%
- Skin Ointment: Hydrocortisone 1% + Polymyxin B + Neomycin
- Otic Suspension: Hydrocortisone 1% + Neomycin + Polymyxin B
Adult Dosing
- Dermatologic: Apply thin layer to affected area 2 to 4 times daily.
- Otic: Instill 3 to 4 drops into affected ear 3 to 4 times daily.
- Duration: Limit use to 7 days if no clinical improvement is observed.
Pediatric Dosing
- Dermatologic (Children > 2 years): Apply thin layer 1 to 2 times daily; avoid prolonged use.
- Otic (Children > 2 years): Instill 3 drops into affected ear 3 to 4 times daily.
- Neonates/Infants: Safety and efficacy not established; avoid use due to systemic absorption risks.
Indications
- Inflammatory skin conditions complicated by bacterial infection
- Eczema, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis with secondary bacterial infection
- Acute external otitis (swimmer's ear) caused by susceptible organisms
Mechanism of Action
- Hydrocortisone: Low-potency corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
- Antibiotic component (e.g., oxytetracycline, neomycin, polymyxin B): Bactericidal or bacteriostatic agents inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis or disrupting cell membranes to treat susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, aminoglycosides, or tetracyclines
- Viral skin infections (e.g., varicella, herpes simplex, vaccinia)
- Fungal skin infections
- Tuberculosis of the skin
- Perforated tympanic membrane (for otic preparations)
Adverse Reactions
- Local: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis
- Dermatologic: Striae, skin atrophy, telangiectasia, acneiform eruptions
- Systemic (with prolonged use or occlusive dressings): Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia
- Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity (with prolonged otic use of aminoglycosides)
Drug Interactions
- Systemic corticosteroids: May potentiate HPA axis suppression if absorbed systemically in large amounts
- Neuromuscular blocking agents: Concomitant use with topical/otic aminoglycosides may increase neuromuscular blockade
- Other topical antimicrobials: Potential for cumulative local irritation or antagonism
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use