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Hydrocortisone topical Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Acticort 100, Ala-Cort, Ala-Scalp, Anucort-HC, Anusol HC-1, Anusol-HC, Anusol-HC Suppositories, Caldecort, Cetacort, Cortaid, Cortizone-10, Hemril-30, Hydrocort cream, Hydroxym Gel, Hytone, Keratol HC, Locoid, Neosporin Eczema Essentials Anti-Itch Cream, Procto-Med HC, Proctocort, Proctosol-HC, Proctozone HC, Texacort, Vagisil Anti-Itch Creme Sensitive Skin Formula, Westcort

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 21, 2023.

Hydrocortisone topical Pregnancy Warnings

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: A
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments: Topical corticosteroids should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts or for extended periods of time.

Animal studies have shown the more potent corticosteroids to be teratogenic after dermal application. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on the teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

See references

Hydrocortisone topical Breastfeeding Warnings

Use is not recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments: The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

See references

See also

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Pandel (hydrocortisone topical)." Savage Laboratories
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Pandel (hydrocortisone topical)." Savage Laboratories
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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