Clioquinol / Hydrocortisone Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 17, 2024.

Applies to clioquinol/hydrocortisone topical: topical cream.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, clioquinol/hydrocortisone topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking clioquinol / hydrocortisone topical:

Incidence not known

• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
• burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
• darkening of the skin
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dryness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, or rash
• hoarseness
• irritation
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• loss of appetite
• mental depression
• nausea
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• softening of the skin
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Other side effects

Some side effects of clioquinol / hydrocortisone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• acne or pimples
• increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• lightening of normal skin color
• lightening of the treated areas of dark skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to clioquinol / hydrocortisone topical: topical cream, topical kit, topical ointment.

General adverse events

There have been a few reports of rash, hypersensitivity, and thinning of the skin following use of this combination product.^[Ref]

Local

Topical corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, blistering, peeling, redness, swelling, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, irritation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Rash, bruising, skin thinning
• Postmarketing reports: Erythema, urticaria, skin pain, skin exfoliation, underlying symptoms exacerbated, hair discolored^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, cushingoid features, endogenous cortisol levels decreased, steroid withdrawal syndrome^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Glucosuria

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Bruising

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Cataract, glaucoma^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Growth retardation/weight gain delayed in children, osteoporosis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Postmarketing reports: Obesity/weight increased, hyperglycemia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Hypertension^[Ref]

Further information

Clioquinol/hydrocortisone topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer