Cotacort Side Effects

Generic name: hydrocortisone topical

Note: This document contains side effect information about hydrocortisone topical. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Cotacort.

Some side effects of Cotacort may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to hydrocortisone topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical pad, topical solution, topical spray, topical stick

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking hydrocortisone topical (the active ingredient contained in Cotacort) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hydrocortisone topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

• uneven heartbeats;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• feeling tired.

Less serious side effects of hydrocortisone topical may include:

• skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling;

• thinning of your skin;

• blistering skin; or

• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to hydrocortisone topical: compounding powder, rectal cream with applicator, rectal foam, rectal ointment, rectal solution, rectal suppository, topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical pad, topical paste, topical solution, topical spray, topical stick

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects of topical corticosteroids are rare. Glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia may be induced by corticosteroids. These drugs can rarely suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This suppression is more likely when higher potency topical steroids are used over extensive areas and when occlusive dressings are used.

Local

Local adverse effects of hydrocortisone application may commonly include burning, itching, or irritation, especially if applied to denuded skin or with occlusive dressings. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids may result in skin atrophy and thinning, and the development of striae, telangiectasia, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and easy bruising and bleeding. Allergic contact dermatitis is occasionally reported.

Skin on the face, axillae, and groin appear to be most susceptible to the adverse, long-term effects of topical steroids.

Topical corticosteroid use may inhibit local immune response rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis has occasionally been reported.

Perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like dermatitis has occurred in patients treated with potent topical corticosteroids who are of seborrheic skin type. This condition may flare temporarily upon discontinuation of topical steroids, prompting patients to continue their use. If topical corticosteroids are discontinued, this flare and the initial dermatitis generally resolves over a few weeks.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects of rectally administered hydrocortisone include diarrhea, cramps, flatulence, rectal irritation, and rectal bleeding.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects from rectal administration may include muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, and pathologic fracture of long bones.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.