Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Hydrocortisone may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
FOR Hydrocortisone Cream is a smooth white cream for application to the skin only. It contains hydrocortisone which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone Cream is used to reduce inflammation in a variety of inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and dermatitis of all types, such as:
- inherited skin inflammation, scaliness or itchiness (atopic eczema)
- light-sensitive skin (photodermatitis)
- dermatitis between folds of skin (intertrigo)
- dermatitis caused by irritants or allergens
- lumps in the skin with itching (prurigo nodularis)
- scaly or crusty skin, 'cradle cap' (seborrhoeic dermatitis)
- insect bite reactions. Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Hydrocortisone Cream is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition. 2. BEFORE YOU USE HYDROCORTISONE CREAM Do not use Hydrocortisone Cream if you:
- are allergic to hydrocortisone or to any of the other ingredients of Hydrocortisone Cream (see Section 6 and end of Section 2).
- have a bacterial infection (e.g. impetigo), viral infection (e.g. herpes simplex) or fungal infection (e.g. tinea, also called 'athlete's foot', ringworm or thrush) of the skin. Take special care with Hydrocortisone Cream Hydrocortisone Cream is not suitable for use in the following:
- allergic skin reactions including temporary red or raised areas on your skin (short lived 'wheal and flare' reactions)
- conditions involving the deeper skin layers, such as granulomas
- psoriasis (long term scaly skin condition); only use this product on medical advice and with careful supervision by your doctor. Take great care to apply the cream sparingly to the skin of infants or children, especially in the nappy area which can be covered for long periods. Covering the treated area can increase absorption. Treatment for infants must not exceed 7 days. Your doctor may advise the use of antimicrobial medicine at the same time as Hydrocortisone Cream if the area has become infected. Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition requires a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the cream/ointment without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to do so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment. Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant. Ask your doctor for advice before taking any medicine during pregnancy. There is a very small risk of abnormalities in the unborn child if this product is used during pregnancy. If you are breast-feeding, do not apply the product to your chest area. 23LF02083PW >> READ DIRECTION 1ST BAR
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Important information about some of the ingredients Hydrocortisone Cream contains
- chlorocresol – may cause allergic reactions
- cetomacrogol emulsifying wax – which contains cetostearyl alcohol – may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
How to take it
HYDROCORTISONE CREAM FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY Always use Hydrocortisone Cream exactly as your doctor has told you. Your doctor will tell you how much to apply and how often, but you must check with your doctor if you are not sure. Do not exceed the stated dose. For application to the surface of the skin only: 1. Wash your hands thoroughly before use. 2. Apply the cream sparingly to the affected area, one to four times a day. Massage the cream gently into the affected area to help absorption into the skin. 3. Once applied, do not cover the area with a dressing or plaster. Increase the intervals between applications as the condition improves. Treatment may be reduced to two to three times a week, or restarted when your symptoms return. If you use more Hydrocortisone Cream than you should If you or a child accidentally swallow the cream, contact your doctor or nearest hospital immediately. Take the packet with you to help identification. If you forget to use Hydrocortisone Cream If you miss a treatment, apply the cream as soon as you remember, and apply the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Hydrocortisone Cream can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. You may notice the following:
- rash, itchy skin, swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue, or difficulty in breathing may be signs of an allergic reaction. Stop using Hydrocortisone Cream immediately.
- 'stretch marks' may appear, especially in skin folds such as the groin or armpits.
- Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This include any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
HYDROCORTISONE CREAM Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25 ̊C. Do not use Hydrocortisone Cream after the expiry date which is stated on the tube/carton. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Hydrocortisone Cream contains:
- The active substance is hydrocortisone and the cream contains 10 mg in every 1 g (1%).
- The other ingredients are Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax, chlorocresol, liquid paraffin, Macrogol 300, white soft paraffin and purified water (see end of Section 2 for further information). What Hydrocortisone Cream looks like and contents of the pack The product is a homogenous, white cream and is available in aluminium tubes containing 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, 30 g or 50 g. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Pinewood Laboratories Ltd., Ballymacarbry, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. PL 04917/0095 Other formats: To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only). Please be ready to give the following information: Product name Hydrocortisone 1% w/w cream
Reference number 04917/0095
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. This leaflet was last updated in 03/2024.
23LF02083PW
>> READ DIRECTION 1ST BAR
LAST BAR
Artwork Code:
23LF02083PW
Font:
Helvetica – 9pt – 8pt
Date
24/04/24
Dimensions:
285 x 148 mm
Printing:
Black
***
***
***
***
***
Non-Printing:
Keyline
Text Free Area
***
***
***
***
Other information: Previous code – 23LF02036PW Regulatory updates
Version:
1
Frequently asked questions about Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM
How do I take Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM?
Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM comes as cream. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM?
The active substance in Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM is hydrocortisone.
Are there equivalent medicines to Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Boots Derma Care 1% w/w Cream, Boots DermaCare Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Cream, Boots Insect Bite & Sting Treatment 1% Cream. In total there are 14 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: hydrocortisone
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Hydrocortisone has topical anti-inflammatory activity of value in the treatment of a wide variety of dermatological conditions, including the following: eczema and dermatitis of all types including atopic eczema, photodermatitis, intertrigo, primary irritant and allergic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and insect bite reactions.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Apply, once to four times daily gradually increasing the intervals between applications as the condition improves. Treatment may then be reduced to two to three times a week or when symptoms recur. Gentle massage assists penetration.
Method of administration
For cutaneous use
4.3. Contraindications
Bacterial (e.g. impetigo), viral (e.g. Herpes simplex) or fungal (e.g. candidal or dermatophyte) infections of the skin.
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Remarks on indications
1. There is no good evidence that topical corticosteroids are efficacious against immediate (Type 1) allergic skin reactions or short-lived weal and flare reactions from other causes.
2. Topical corticosteroids are ineffective in granulomatous conditions and other inflammatory reactions involving the deeper regions of the dermis.
3. Topical corticosteroids are not generally indicated in psoriasis excluding widespread plaque psoriasis provided that warnings are given.
Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons including rebound relapses following development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis, and local and systematic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. Careful patient supervision is important.
Although generally regarded as safe, even for long-term administration in adults, there is potential for overdosage in infants and children. Extreme caution is required in dermatoses of infancy especially napkin eruption where the napkin can act as an occlusive dressing and increase absorption. In infants and children, courses of treatment should therefore not normally exceed 7 days.
Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be used whenever treating inflammatory lesions, which have become infected. Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy, and a systemic administration of antimicrobial agents.
As with all corticosteroids, prolonged application to the face is undesirable.
This medicinal product contains chlorocresol, which may cause allergic reactions.
This medicinal product also contains cetostearyl alcohol in the excipient cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, and may cause local skin reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis).
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.
Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome :
Long term use of topical steroids can result in the development of rebound flares after stopping treatment (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). A severe form of rebound flare can develop which takes the form of a dermatitis with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. It is more likely to occur when delicate skin sites such as the face and flexures are treated. Should there be a reoccurrence of the condition within days to weeks after successful treatment a withdrawal reaction should be suspected. Reapplication should be with caution and specialist advise is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.
The label will state mild steroid.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects in the human foetus.
Breastfeeding
There is no evidence against use in lactating women. However, caution should be exercised when Hydrocortisone Cream is administered to nursing mothers. In this event, the product should not be applied to the chest area.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Hydrocortisone preparations are usually well tolerated, but if any signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should stop immediately.
Striae may occur especially in intertriginous areas.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)
Withdrawal reactions - redness of the skin which may extend to areas beyond the initial affected area, burning or stinging sensation, itch, skin peeling, oozing pustules. (see section 4.4)
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Not applicable.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Hydrocortisone 1% w/w/ Cream POM. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Medicines containing Hydrocortisone
- Alkindi 0.5 mg granules in capsules for opening
- Alkindi 1 mg granules in capsules for opening
- Alkindi 2 mg granules in capsules for opening
- Alkindi 5 mg granules in capsules for opening
- Dermacort Hydrocortisone Cream
- Efmody 10 mg capsule Modified-release capsule
- Efmody 5mg modified release hard capsules
- Hydrocortisone 0.5% Cream / Efcortelan Cream 0.5%
- Hydrocortisone 0.5% Ointment / Efcortelan Ointment 0.5%
- Hydrocortisone 1% Cream / Efcortelan Cream 1%
- Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment / Efcortelan Ointment 1.0%
- Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Ointment
- Hydrocortisone 10 mg Tablets
- Hydrocortisone 10mg Dispersible Tablets