Products
Hydrocortisone butyrate is commercially available as emulsion and cream (Locoid). It has been approved in many countries since 1973.
Structure and properties
Hydrocortisone-17-butyrate (C25H36O6, Mr = 432.6 g/mol) is an esterified, nonhalogenated glucocorticoid. It is a derivative of endogenous hydrocortisone.
Effects
Hydrocortisone butyrate (ATC D07AB02) has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, immunosuppressive, and antipruritic properties. The effects are due to binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. Hydrocortisone butyrate, unlike hydrocortisone acetate (class I), belongs to strength class II.
Indications
For the topical treatment of skin disorders of eczematous, inflammatory, or allergic origin.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug are applied thinly to the affected areas of the skin once or twice a day. Because of the possible adverse effects, dermocorticoids should be used for as short a time as possible. If they are needed for a longer period of time, breaks in therapy must be taken or cortisone-free preparations must be used in the meantime. Dermocorticoids should not be applied over large areas and should not be overdosed.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Viral or bacterial skin infections
- Application near the eyes, contact with the eyes.
- Vaccination reactions
- Skin ulcers
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions are possible with other locally applied drugs.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects occur rarely. These include:
- Secondary infections
- Hypersensitivity, allergy
- Adrenal suppression
- Skin reactions such as dry skin, rash, itching, burning.
In case of improper use, that is, an overdose, a persistent occlusion and a too long application time, the skin can be damaged. This manifests itself, for example, in a thinning of the skin (skin atrophy), skin striae, pigmentation disorders and telangiectasia. There is also a risk of systemic cortisone side effects.
