DRUG INDEX
GENERIC NAME: hydrocortisone valerate BRAND NAME: Westcort
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hydrocortisone valerate is a synthetic (man-made) glucocorticoid that is used topically on the skin. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid is cortisol or hydrocortisone and is produced by the adrenal gland.) Glucocorticoids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Cream containing 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate: 15, 45, and 60 g tubes.
STORAGE: Cream should be stored below at room temperature, 59-86°F (15-30°C).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Hydrocortisone valerate is used for the relief of itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions.
DOSING: Hydrocortisone valerate is applied as a thin film to the affected area once or twice daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No significant drug interactions have been described with hydrocortisone valerate.
PREGNANCY: When glucocorticoids are given systemically (orally, intramuscularly or intravenously) to pregnant animals, fetal abnormalities occur. Following application to the skin, a small amount of hydrocortisone valerate is absorbed into the blood and is distributed to the rest of the body. In fact, fetal abnormalities have been noted when potent glucocorticoids are applied to the skin of pregnant animals though hydrocortisone valerate specifically has not been studied in animals. Furthermore, there is no data on the use of hydrocortisone valerate in pregnant women. The use of hydrocortisone valerate during pregnancy, therefore, should be carefully considered with the potential risk weighed against the possible benefit.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if hydrocortisone valerate is secreted in breast milk
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with hydrocortisone valerate are burning at the area of application, itching, irritation, or dryness. All of these are quite unusual, however.
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