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.
Terra-Cortril ointment
⚠ 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, Oxytetracycline hydrochloride 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
Terra-Cortril Ointment is classed as a mild corticosteroid that contains two different medicines: oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone.
- Oxytetracycline is one of a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria and certain other micro-organisms.
- Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflamed skin which has resulted from allergy, infection or injury. Terra-Cortril Ointment has been prescribed for you to treat:
- inflamed skin conditions (such as eczema).
- allergic skin conditions (such as after contact with certain cosmetics, plants or drugs).
- infected insect bites. 2.
What you need to know before you take it
e Terra-Cortril Ointment
Do not use Terra-Cortril Ointment
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of the ointment. This may be itching, reddening of the skin or difficulty in breathing.
- If you have an infection of the skin causing blisters or yellow crusting (a primary bacterial infection) e.g. impetigo, boils (furunculosis).
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.
- If the patient is an infant or young child whose permanent teeth are growing. If any of the above applies to you talk to your doctor. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Terra-Cortril if:
Dec 2025
• •
You are going to apply ointment to a very large area of skin. You are going to use a dressing to cover the ointment.
Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies. 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. TerraCortril Ointment is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition. Other medicines and Terra-Cortril Terra-Cortril is not thought to have an effect on any other medicines you might be taking. If you have any concerns about taking other medicines talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Pregnancy, breast feeding and fertility Do not use Terra-Cortril Ointment if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor for advice. Driving and using machines Terra-Cortril Ointment is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines or tools. 3.
How to take it
Terra-Cortril Ointment
Always use Terra-Cortril Ointment exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Pierce the tube by reversing the cap and screwing down to break the seal on the tube. Clean the affected skin area as thoroughly as possible. Adults and Elderly Gently apply a small amount of ointment to the affected area. This may be done two to four times a day. The ointment may be applied on a sterile gauze if infection is present. Do not stop using the ointment too soon after seeing improvement. If you do not see an improvement within a week, go back and see your doctor. Terra-Cortril Ointment is for external use only. Do not use it for eye infections. Use in children Terra-Cortril Ointment is not recommended for use in children. After using the ointment Wash your hands after use. Always replace the cap. If the ointment is accidentally swallowed This ointment is for external use only. If any ointment is accidentally swallowed, tell your doctor immediately, or contact your nearest hospital casualty department. If you forget to apply the ointment Do not worry. Apply the ointment in the normal way as soon as you remember.
Dec 2025
4.
Possible side effects
As with all medicines, Terra-Cortril Ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Check with your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of the following occur:
- wheeziness, difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
- swelling of eyelids, face or lips
- skin lumps or itchy red spots The following may be a problem in the area where the ointment is used:
- burning
- itching
- irritation
- dryness
- skin rash or allergic reaction
- acne
- thinning or softening of the skin
- spread or worsening of infection
- swelling of the hair-roots in the skin (folliculitis)
- excessive growth of hair on the skin (hypertrichosis)
- white patches on the skin (hypopigmentation)
- prickly heat
- striae (red lines) These effects should disappear when you stop using Terra-Cortril Ointment. If the discomfort continues tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you become unwell or have any discomfort whilst using the ointment, tell your doctor or pharmacist. 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, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: 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. 5.
How to store it
Terra-Cortril Ointment
Keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children. Store below 25°C. Do not use Terra-Cortril Ointment after the expiry date stamped on the pack. Dec 2025
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return any medicine you no longer need to your pharmacist. 6.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Terra-Cortril Ointment contains Each gram of ointment contains 30 mg oxytetracycline (as oxytetracycline hydrochloride) and 10 mg hydrocortisone. The other inactive ingredients are liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin. Each tube contains 15 g or 30 g of ointment. Marketing Authorisation Holder Esteve Pharmaceuticals Ltd, The Courtyard Barns, Choke Lane, Cookham Dean, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 6PT, United Kingdom Manufacturer Farmasierra Manufacturing S.L. Ctra. de Irún, Km. 26,200, 28706 San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid – Spain This leaflet was last revised December 2025. Terra-Cortril is a registered trademark of Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited. Alliance and associated devices are registered trademarks of Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited. For any information on this medicine, please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder. © Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited 2014.
Dec 2025
Frequently asked questions about Terra-Cortril ointment
How do I take Terra-Cortril ointment?
Terra-Cortril ointment comes as ointment. 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 Terra-Cortril ointment?
The active substance in Terra-Cortril ointment is hydrocortisone, oxytetracycline hydrochloride.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Terra-Cortril ointment, 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 Terra-Cortril ointment 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, oxytetracycline hydrochloride
- 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
Terra-Cortril Ointment is indicated in the following disorders: exudative and secondarily infected eczema including atopic eczema, primary irritant dermatitis, allergic and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Secondarily infected insect bite reactions.
In exudative flexural intertrigo Terra-Cortril Ointment can be used for up to seven days.
Like other tetracyclines, oxytetracycline is generally ineffective against Pseudomonas and Proteus species. Because these are recognised secondary infecting organisms in exudative dermatoses, preliminary identification of the organism and determination of antibiotic sensitivity is important.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
After thorough cleansing of the affected skin areas, a small amount of the ointment should be applied gently. Applications should be made two to four times daily.
Terra-Cortril Ointment is for topical administration only.
Use in the elderly
No special precautions.
Use in children
Not recommended. (See 'Contra-indications').
Use in renal or hepatic impairment
No special precautions.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to one of the components of the preparation. Primary bacterial infections eg impetigo, pyoderma, furunculosis.
Pregnancy, lactation and in infants and small children because of the theoretical risk of damage to permanent dentition.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Terra-Cortril Ointment should not be continued for more than seven days in the absence of any clinical improvement, since in this situation occult extension of infection may occur due to the masking effect of the steroid.
Extended or recurrent application may increase the risk of contact sensitisation and should be avoided.
The use of oxytetracycline and other antibiotics may result in an overgrowth of resistant organisms - particularly Candida and staphylococci. Careful observation of the patient for this possibility is essential. If new infections due to nonsusceptible bacteria of fungi appear during therapy, Terra-Cortril should be discontinued. If extensive areas are treated or if the occlusive technique is used, there may be increased systemic absorption of the corticosteroid and suitable precautions should be taken.
If irritation develops, the product should be discontinued.
Terra-Cortril Ointment is not recommended for ophthalmic use.
The label will state mild steroid.
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.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None established.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Terra-Cortril Ointment is contra-indicated during pregnancy and in nursing mothers, because of the theoretical risk of damage to permanent dentition.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Terra-Cortril Ointment is not expected to have an influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Hydrocortisone and oxytetracycline are well tolerated by the epithelial tissues and may be used topically with minimal untoward effects. Allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis may occur occasionally, but are rare.
Reactions occurring most often from the presence of the anti-infective ingredients are allergic sensitisations.
The following local side effects have been reported with topical corticosteroids, especially under occlusive dressings; burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria.
The use of Terra-Cortril Ointment should be discontinued if such reactions occur.
Secondary infection
The development of secondary bacterial or fungal infection has occurred after use of combinations containing steroids and antimicrobials.
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 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
There is no specific antidote available. In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures.
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
- OXIMED over the counterCOMBINATII (HYDROCORTISONUM+OXYTETRACYCLINUM) · skin / topical
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
- Oxycort AOxytetracyclinum + Hydrocortisoni acetas · eye / ear / nose
- OxycortOxytetracyclinum + Hydrocortisoni acetas · inhaler / nebuliser
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Terra-Cortril ointment. 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.