Products
Cortisone mixed ointments are not commercially available as finished drug products. They are prepared in pharmacies as extemporaneous preparations. Usually, a cream or ointment containing cortisone is diluted by mixing it with an ingredient-free base, such as Excipial or Antidry. The concentration of the glucocorticoid decreases in the process. However, the risk for adverse effects remains. Example:
| Elocom Ointment | 30.0 g |
| Antidry lotion | 70.0 g |
| Total | 100.0 g |
In addition, other variants exist, for example, mixing ointments containing active ingredients or adding active ingredients to the ointments.
Structure and properties
Cortisone mixed ointments contain topical glucocorticoids such as betamethasone or mometasone. Other active ingredients may be included.
Effects
Topical glucocorticoids (ATC D07A) have anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, immunosuppressive, and secondary antipruritic properties. The effects are based on binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors.
Indications
For the treatment of inflammatory, allergic, and noninfectious skin conditions that respond to glucocorticoids, for example, eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and allergic contact dermatitis.
Dosage
According to the doctor’s prescription. The preparations are usually applied once or twice a day. The duration of treatment should be kept short. Do not apply over large areas and do not use under occlusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Skin infections
- Skin ulcers
- Rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis
- Use near the eye
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions such as irritation, burning, itching, and rash. Skin damage may occur (e.g., skin atrophy, telangiectasias, striae) and the risk of systemic adverse reactions increases if therapy is prolonged and used inappropriately.