Hydrocortisone eye ointment (elf). Hydrocortisone eye ointment - instructions for use Hydrocortisone eye ointment instructions for use

Hydrocortisone eye ointment is an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic medical agent prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the organs of vision, including lesions of the epithelium of the mucous membrane and the epidermis of the eyes. As the name implies, hydrocortisone has become the main element of the drug.

This ointment is well known to those who have had to treat inflammation of the organs of vision, which manifests itself in the form of redness, swelling, discomfort, in addition, it is recommended for recovery during surgery and vision correction.

The drug is prescribed only if the integrity of the surface integument of the eyeball is not violated. The main component is hydrocortisone, a natural substance used for various diseases. The analogue of hydrocortisone in the human body is cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. According to the medical classifier, the drug belongs to the glucocorticoid type. When choosing a remedy for the eyes, it is worth paying attention to the fact that there are many forms that are also produced for the treatment of skin integuments, diseases of the oral cavity and malignant neoplasms. They differ in the amount of active ingredient in the composition.

Associated elements of the eye remedy are medicinal vaseline, nipagin or methyl paraben formulations. There are several forms of release of hydrocortisone ointment: in tubes of three or five grams of the active substance. In 1 g of eye ointment 0.5 percent concentration contains five milligrams of hydrocortisone.

How to store:

  • in cool conditions from five to fifteen degrees;
  • the drug is valid for two years;
  • Children need to be restricted.

The ointment is prescribed for topical application. For example, Hydrocortisone-pos is applied to the lower eyelid of the diseased eyeball in the form of a strip up to one and a half centimeters. If necessary, the event should be continued up to two or three times a day. In this case, the period of use of the drug should not exceed 14 days. An increase in the period must be agreed with the attending physician.

The action of the drug is aimed at reducing the permeability of small blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of white blood cells in the inflamed area. The active substance slows down or completely inhibits the development of viruses in the affected area, causes a slowdown in metabolic processes that contribute to the development of inflammation, and accelerates regenerative cell division without scarring.

Indications for use

Hydrocortisone eye ointment, according to the instructions for use, is prescribed in the following cases:

  1. Dermatitis formations.
  2. Various forms of conjunctivitis.
  3. Diseases of blepharitis nature, including blepharoconjunctivitis forms.
  4. Uveitis.
  5. Iritic phenomena of acute and chronic nature.
  6. Iridocyclitis diseases.
  7. Restoration of damage to the eyeball resulting from mechanical trauma or surgery.
  8. Restorative measures to increase the transparency of the tissues of the cornea of ​​the eye.
  9. Elimination of inflammation in case of damage to the eyes by chemical means.

Hydrocortisone for the eyes is prescribed for the treatment of the so-called "barley", as a concomitant medication for antibacterial agents. Also, the medicine has established itself as an effective remedy for chalazion.

Mode of application

Use must be carried out under the most sterile conditions.

Hydrocortisone eye ointment is intended for application to inflamed areas of the organ of vision. Frequency of use - up to 4 times a day in the form of a two-centimeter strip in the lower eyelid area. The period of use of the drug cannot be longer than fourteen days, an increase in the period is agreed with the attending physician.

Long-term use brings significant negative effects: a decrease in the level of the immune system, hypertension of the eyeball. There is also a risk of tissue damage and degradation and the development of chronic diseases.

Contraindications and side effects

The medicine is strictly contraindicated in the following cases:

  • Damage to the organs of vision by viruses, abscesses, fungus and tuberculosis microorganisms.
  • Glaucoma phenomena of the primary type.
  • Trachoma diseases.
  • Injury to the tissues of the eyeball.
  • Individual intolerance.
  • Vaccine use.

Ointment in some cases leads to the development of allergies due to the individual characteristics of the patient. In this case, it is worth excluding the use of the drug and consult a specialist.

In addition, the hydrocortisone contained in the eye ointment, according to the instructions, can lead to:

  1. Diseases of steroid type glaucoma.
  2. Subcapsular cataract.
  3. Decrease in the regenerative function of eye tissues, their excision and thinning.
  4. With a decrease in local immunity, a repeated defeat by harmful bacteria develops.
  5. The transition of diseases to a chronic, poorly diagnosed form.

During the use of the drug, it is necessary to refrain from using lenses that correct vision.

When combining various types of drugs prescribed for the treatment of the organs of vision, one must adhere to the rule according to which a gap of about a quarter of an hour should pass between doses of drugs. In some cases, immediately after applying the ointment, the sharpness of perception may be disturbed. Then you need to give your eyes a rest and avoid straining them.

Overdose of hydrocortisone ointment is rare. But if this happens, unpleasant sensations may arise. To minimize them, you need to temporarily stop using the product, after which the state of health returns to normal. If this does not happen, you need to see a doctor.

Negative health effects during pregnancy and lactation have not been identified. The active substance can penetrate into the blood of the mother, and then to the child in the womb or while breastfeeding. Therefore, specialist advice is required.

The medicine should be used when the beneficial properties are higher than the negative effects for the woman and the baby.

In childhood, it is permissible to use only a half-percentage drug under the supervision of a specialist.

Analogues

There are cases when there is intolerance to the active substance of hydrocortisone ointment. It is possible to replace the drug with another group without reducing the therapeutic effect. For example, analogues of hydrocortisone-pos include:

  1. Preparations for the organs of vision of the type "Maxidex"
  2. A drug of the dexamethasone group.
  3. . It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. The doctor may prescribe it as an adjuvant.
  4. Ophthalmic preparations "Tobrex".
  5. in the form of a release for the organs of vision.

Price

In the capital, the price of hydrocortisone eye ointment, on average, is set at ninety rubles. The cost of the drug, in general in Russia, ranges from sixty to one hundred rubles per pack.

Hydrocortisone eye ointment is a drug that is used to treat inflammatory eye diseases. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.

Release form and composition

The drug is available in the form of an eye ointment in tubes of 5 and 3 g. Instructions for use are attached to each package. The active substance is hydrocortisone acetate (0.5 g), which belongs to the pharmacological group of glucocorticosteroids. Auxiliary components include methylparaben or nipagin, medical vaseline.

pharmachologic effect

The active substance of hydrocortisone ointment has a pronounced anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect. It reduces inflammatory cell infiltrates, reduces the migration of lymphocytes and leukocytes to the inflammatory area.

Hydrocortisone acetate also stabilizes subcellular and cellular, including lysosomal, and mast cell membranes, reduces the binding of immunoglobulins to receptors directly on the cell surface, and inhibits the release or synthesis of cytokines (interferon, interleukins) from lymphocytes and macrophages.

Hydrocortisone acetate reduces the severity of the early immunological response, has an antimetabolic effect and inhibits the formation of connective tissue and scarring.

Pharmacokinetics

Hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment does not penetrate well into the intraocular fluid through the orbit. It penetrates only into the epithelium of the mucous membrane and the epidermis, can be absorbed in small amounts into the systemic circulation and subsequently have a systemic effect.

The drug is metabolized in the epithelium of the mucous membrane and epidermis. In the future, a small amount of it after absorption enters the systemic circulation and is further metabolized in the liver cells. In the blood, the active substance binds to transcoritin (80%) and albumin (10%). Metabolites of the drug are excreted by the intestines and kidneys.

Indications for use

Hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment is used for allergic eye diseases (blepharitis, eyelid dermatitis, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis), inflammatory diseases of the anterior eye in the absence of a violation of the integrity of the corneal epithelium (conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis). Also, the drug is used for chemical and thermal eye burns (after complete healing of corneal defects).

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of this drug include hypersensitivity to its components, the presence of purulent, viral, tuberculous, fungal eye diseases, glaucoma, trachoma. Hydrocortisone ointment is not used during the vaccination period, with violations of the integrity of the membranes of the eye, under the age of eighteen years. With caution, it is prescribed during lactation and pregnancy.

Dosage and method of application

The drug is intended for topical use only. One centimeter of eye ointment is injected into the conjunctival sac two to three times a day. The course of treatment usually does not exceed two weeks. Its duration may, in some cases, increase on the recommendations of a specialist.

Similar Effects

Sometimes the use of hydrocortisone eye ointment may be accompanied by the development of allergic reactions, burning, injection of the sclera, short-term blurred visual perception.

When using the drug for more than ten days, there may be an increase in intraocular pressure with the possible development of steroid glaucoma with direct damage to the optic nerve and partial impairment of visual fields.

Subcapsular cataracts can also develop, slowing down the healing process of wounds (in diseases that cause significant thinning of the cornea, perhaps its perforation (perforation)).

Due to the suppression of the protective reactions of the body with prolonged use of the ointment, the addition of a secondary bacterial infection may be noted. In acute diseases of the eye of a purulent nature, glucocorticosteroids can enhance or mask existing infectious processes. Also, with prolonged use of the drug, a fungal infection of the cornea can be observed.

Overdose

An overdose of hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment is extremely rare. At the same time, there is an increase in local side effects. With the abolition of the drug, the overdose phenomena disappear on their own.

Interaction

With prolonged use of the ointment due to the absorption of the active substance into the bloodstream, there may be a decrease in the effectiveness of insulin, antihypertensive, oral hypoglycemic drugs, anticoagulants. Also characteristic is a decrease in the concentration of praziquantel and salicylates in the blood.

When used with cardiac glycosides, digitalis intoxication may occur. The simultaneous use of the ointment with silver and mercury preparations leads to mutual inactivation.

special instructions

When using this drug for more than ten days with a history of glaucoma, it is necessary to monitor intraocular pressure.

The use of hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment during lactation and pregnancy is allowed only in cases where the therapeutic effect significantly outweighs the possible risk to the child or fetus.

In such cases, the duration of use of the drug should not exceed ten days.

But the remedy is not a panacea, and the hormonal component of the drug carries a potential threat. Therefore, it is so important to use Hydrocortisone for the eyes correctly, strictly following the instructions.

Composition and impact

Eye hydrocortisone acetate, which is part of the ointment, is artificially synthesized, but has all the properties of natural glucocorticosteroids that are produced by the adrenal glands. It is he who has the main effect, removing inflammation and allergies. As mandatory components, the preparation includes such secondary fat-containing substances as lanolin and medical vaseline, as well as a number of other chemicals that provide a therapeutic effect.

In addition to ointments, some pharmaceutical companies offer gels and creams, where the same corticosteroid is the main active ingredient. Medicines are packaged in special tubes of 3 or 5 g.

The main active ingredient of the ointment has the following biochemical effects:

  • reduces allergic manifestations, reducing the activity of immunoglobulins, their connection with antigens;
  • reduces the intensity of inflammatory reactions;
  • reduces swelling due to the cessation of the accumulation of leukocytes in the area of ​​​​inflammation, compaction of the walls of small vessels;
  • slows down the metabolism in the treated area, which stops the formation of scars after injuries, operations or burns.

The point of application of the medicinal effect of the ointment is the skin of the eyelids and the conjunctiva of the eyeball. That is, the agent has an effect at the site of application. But in a small amount, the hormone penetrates through the cornea into the internal eye structures, and then into the blood. In this case, its assimilation occurs in the liver, and the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract take over the excretion.

The results of using the ointment:

  • removal of edema of periorbital tissues;
  • reduction of redness of the eyelids and mucous membrane of the eyeball;
  • reduction of itching, discomfort and pain of various etiologies in the eye area;
  • cessation of peeling of the eyelids.

The advantages of the drug include the lack of influence on concentration and mental activity.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for the use of hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment:

  • acute and chronic eye diseases of allergic origin - keratitis, blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis, iridocyclitis;
  • inflammation of the structures of the anterior part of the eyeball - uveitis, iritis, - without penetrating damage to the cornea;
  • eye burns due to temperature or chemical exposure after the corneal surface has healed;
  • prevention and treatment of traumatic and postoperative complications;
  • sympathetic ophthalmia - non-purulent inflammation of the vessels and tissues of an intact eyeball with a penetrating injury to the other eye;
  • restoration of the cornea after its inflammation of various origins.

Hydrocortisone ointment from barley on the eye is also widely prescribed by oculists, but only in combination with antibacterial ointments. .

Caution should be used in inflammatory and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes mellitus, pathology of the heart and kidneys.

Hydrocortisone ointment can cause an allergic reaction, although it is itself intended to combat allergies. If, after application, swelling, redness, peeling and discomfort in the eyes increase, the use of the drug is absolutely contraindicated.

A relative contraindication to the use of the ointment is the wearing of contact lenses. The best solution is to replace them with glasses that are adequate for visual acuity.

If problems arose during the bearing of a child, especially in the first three months, the expectant mother should definitely consult an ophthalmologist. A breastfeeding woman should stop breastfeeding for the duration of the ointment.

Instruction and dosage

Each user should carefully study the instructions for use of Hydrocortisone ointment, as there is a hormonal component in the composition.

How to use:

  1. Wash your hands with soap.
  2. Gently pull back the lower eyelid.
  3. Squeeze a strip of ointment into the mucous membrane of the diseased eye.

For adults

The frequency of application of ointment with hydrocortisone depends on the severity and nature of the pathology. Usually, the agent is applied from one to three times a day, having coordinated the technique with the attending ophthalmologist. After any eye drops, the ointment is applied after 20 minutes.

The maximum duration of the treatment course: no more than two weeks. As the condition of the eyes improves, the frequency of application and dosage of the ointment decreases. With positive dynamics, it can only be used at night.

What else must be observed? Shelf life and storage conditions in accordance with the instructions - no more than two years from the date of manufacture and preferably in the refrigerator. If the tube of ointment has already been opened, you can store it only for a month.

If necessary, the use of a hormone-containing drug by a pregnant or lactating woman is prescribed the minimum dose and time of treatment. It is important to take into account the likely risk to the child.

For kids

For children, hydrocortisone ointment should be used with caution, especially up to 12 years. The child has an imperfect immune system, the eye membranes are more vulnerable, the hormonal component can affect not only the structures of the eye, but the entire body.

Therefore, for children, Hydrocortisone eye ointment is used only according to strict indications, therapy is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. Hydrocortisone eye ointment for children is used for no more than 3-5 days. The continuation of the course is possible only after the approval of the pediatric ophthalmologist.

Side effects

Adverse reactions often occur with improper or prolonged use of hydrocortisone ointment.

The most frequent adverse reactions:

  • blepharitis;
  • eczema of the periorbital region;
  • recurrent conjunctivitis;
  • unstable increase in intraocular pressure with impaired visual fields;
  • progression;
  • damage to the cornea with the formation of ulcers;
  • secondary infection of eye tissues due to a decrease in local immunity;
  • poor healing after ophthalmic operations;
  • short-term burning and redness in the eye area.

If you follow the instructions, there will be no such effects.

Interaction with other drugs

When using an ointment with hydrocortisone, the penetration of the hormone into the blood cannot be excluded. This can lead to an adverse reaction with medications that the patient is forced to take regularly. That is why it is so important to tell your doctors about your health and the medications you are taking.

The interaction of the hormone with the following groups of drugs is dangerous:

  • cardiac glycosides (Digogsin);
  • blood-thinning drugs (Thrombo-ass);
  • immunosuppressants (Cyclosporine);
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac);
  • antifungal agents (ketoconazole);
  • oral contraceptives.

The use of the ointment reduces the absorption of vitamin D, the effect of antidepressants (Coaxil, Zoloft) and antihistamines (Tavegil), the effectiveness of insulin and antihypertensive drugs.

When using neuroleptics (Haloperidol) simultaneously with eye treatment with ointment, according to some reports, cataracts develop faster. It is undesirable to combine the drug with the use of diuretics.

Price

The cost of an ointment with hydrocortisone depends on the concentration of the hormone, the amount of the drug in the tube, the manufacturer, the region of Russia and the rating of the pharmacy chain offering the product . On average, there are such prices:

  • 0.5% ointment in a volume of 5 g costs from 30 to 50 rubles;
  • an ointment containing 1% of the hormone is usually packaged in tubes of 2.5 g - the cost is about 60-70 rubles;
  • the price of a drug with a 2.5% hormonal component is 100 rubles and more per tube.

Analogues

If it is impossible to use hydrocortisone in the treatment of eye diseases, the doctor prescribes other drugs that have a good therapeutic effect. To do this, use the following ointments with hormones:

  • Cortimycin.
  • Maxidex.
  • Dexamethasone.

Eye ointment Hydrocortisone Pos has a similar composition and indications, is produced in Germany (1 and 2.5%).

To reduce inflammation, ophthalmologists often prescribe antibiotic ointments - Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Tobrex.

Hydrocortisone ointment effectively relieves a number of symptoms of various ophthalmic diseases. But the drug has many contraindications and does not affect the cause of the disease.

Useful video on how to use eye ointment

Hydrocortisone (Latin hydrocortisone) is a drug that is used in the fight against various inflammations and. Thanks to the active substance (hydrocortisone acetate), Hydrocortisone for the eyes helps fight inflammation of the eye, as well as its outer membranes.

Hydrocortisone is a natural substance that promotes anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as a remedy.

At the same time, the drug penetrates well into the mucosal epithelium, i. the main action of the substance is carried out through the skin of the mucous membrane of the eye, which contributes to the direct entry of Hydrocortisone into the area of ​​​​inflammation.

The composition of the drug is simple - based on: hydrocortisone acetate, additional substances: petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, lanolin, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate.

Unlike most, Hydrocortisone comes in the form of an ointment, not drops. This makes it convenient to use, especially when it comes to treating children. Hydrocortisone eye drops are not available.

Indications and contraindications for use

This medicine is used to treat various eye diseases:

AND ;
;
;
in some cases, burns of the eye membranes;
irites;
keratitis;
uveitis.

It should be borne in mind that the use of Hydrocortisone for the eyes is not a panacea. The drug has contraindications and some warnings. Hydrocortisone eye ointment is not used for fungi, viruses and eye tuberculosis.

Hydrocortisone is contraindicated in violation of the integrity of the corneal epithelium. It is not recommended to use if the patient has hypertension or diabetes.

Admission rules

A thin layer of ointment is applied to the skin 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment is from 6 to 14 days, depending on the complexity of the course of the disease. It is better that the course of treatment does not exceed ten days, because. side reactions are possible.

In particularly difficult cases, you can increase the duration of treatment up to three weeks and the use of special dressings.

The duration of the therapy period is determined only by the ophthalmologist, after a visual assessment of the disease and the stage of its development.

Side effects

Like any other medicine, an ointment that is simple in composition and use has its own side effects in some cases. The use of hydrocortisone ointment may cause a temporary allergic reaction if you have a particular sensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Manifestation of allergies:

Itching;
burning;
redness;
blurred vision.

Prolonged use of hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment can cause an increase in intraocular pressure, even the development of glaucoma. It is worth considering that if treatment with Hydrocortisone is prescribed for injuries with thinning of the cornea of ​​​​the eye, prolonged use of the ointment blunts wound healing. In this case, you can get a secondary eye infection.

Hydrocortisone for the eyes: overdose

Cases with negative reactions to an overdose of Hydrocortisone are quite rare. But if an excessive amount of the active substance enters the body, side effects are possible at the local level. They pass by themselves and do not require additional intervention.
With prolonged absorption of the active substance into the body and entering the bloodstream, it is possible to reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs: antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, anticoagulants and insulin.

Treatment of children

Hydrocortisone for the eyes is used to treat children, if a small patient develops an inflammatory process or an allergic reaction. If the ointment is used to treat a child, long-term use of the drug is not recommended and it is forbidden to apply bandages.

During pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy and lactation, the use of most eye drugs is contraindicated. Hydrocortisone eye ointment is also not recommended for expectant and nursing mothers. It is used extremely rarely as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor in cases where the benefit to the mother outweighs the harm to the child.

special instructions

In the photo: Rules for laying eye ointment during treatment

Care should be taken when using the ointment for people who wear contact lenses. It is forbidden to apply the product without removing the lenses. You should also refrain from lenses for about 15 minutes, so that the drug is absorbed.

If possible, it is best to refrain from wearing contact lenses during hydrocortisone treatment.

Note! The use of ointment affects driving and other vehicles.

There may be a temporary decrease in the clarity of vision, clouding in the eyes, so it is better not to drive a car or other vehicles.


Hydrocortisone eye ointment is used in ophthalmology for eye diseases. It has effective properties that prevent pathological processes and accelerate recovery.


Pharmacological action and group

Hydrocortisone ointment refers to corticosteroid drugs used to treat the development of inflammatory processes.

The wide spectrum of action of the drug allows the use of the ointment not only in ophthalmology, but also in dermatology and other fields. Despite the versatile opinion, hydrocortisone is used even in cosmetology in the fight against wrinkles.

Corticosteroids are considered drugs based on steroid hormones, so hydrocortisone ointment is a hormonal drug. The active substance is hydrocortisone, a hormone of synthetic origin.

When used in ophthalmology, the agent has a wide spectrum of action:

  • decongestant;
  • antiallergic;
  • antipruritic;
  • regenerating;
  • vascular strengthening.

Hydrocortisone ointment has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, so the drug is recommended even for serious forms of pathologies.

The medicinal composition penetrates into the vessels, reducing the accumulation of infiltrates in the tissues, as well as the migration of pathological leukocytes from the area of ​​inflammation.

Release form and composition

The pharmacological name of the drug is Hydrocortisone. The tool is produced by Russian companies in several forms. In ophthalmology, eye drops and eye ointment are used.

There are several types of ointment:

  1. classic one percent;
  2. AKOS.

The main difference between the agents is the dosing of the active substance (hydrocortisone) and the difference in auxiliary medicinal components.

Dose of the active substance (in percent):

  • classic hydrocortisone gel - 1%;
  • ointment Hydrocortisone POS - 2.5%;
  • ointment Hydrocortisone AKOS - 1%.

The volume of the tube can be different from 2.5 to 10 g.

Indications for use

The use of hydrocortisone ointment for therapeutic purposes is allowed only with the permission of a doctor. Apply the remedy in accordance with the diagnosis, which is established by the doctor after the diagnosis.

Indications for ophthalmic pathologies:

  • conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis;
  • eyelid dermatitis and uveitis;
  • blepharoconjunctivitis and blepharitis;
  • iridocyclitis and iritis;
  • inflammation of the iris;
  • violation of the transparency of the cornea

Also used for allergies, the development of skin diseases (for example, eczema, psoriasis and others). A positive effect is also observed in post-traumatic therapy for hematomas, bruises and bruises.

Hydrocortisone ointment is a hormonal drug, so it must be used in accordance with the instructions and after prior consultation.

Instructions for use

Hydrocortisone belongs to the prescription group of drugs, therefore, to use the drug, you need a prescription from your doctor, which will also indicate the scheme for using the medication.

Apply the gel only locally. In the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, the agent is carefully placed directly into the conjunctivitis sac or under the lower eyelid in a small amount. Apply a healing cream from 1 to 3 times a day.

The annotation contains a detailed description of the use of the remedy and the development of skin pathologies.

Apply the ointment to the affected areas of the skin no more than 4 times in one day. If necessary, phonophoresis with hydrocortisone ointment can be performed, but only as prescribed by the attending physician.

The duration of the therapeutic course is from one to three weeks. Prolongation of the course of treatment is possible only if there are indications and the permission of the doctor.

From facial wrinkles

The use of hydrocortisone ointment in cosmetology is not recognized by medicine, because, according to experts, the risks exceed the positive effect. The main direction of the remedy is tissue regeneration.

Most often, the drug use of the drug is aimed at restoring the skin, subject to age-related changes (wrinkles). According to reviews, the cream helps after 3-4 procedures.

  • immediately, before applying the cream, the skin is cleaned with a tonic, balm or other similar agent;
  • apply ointment only on problem areas with a thin layer;
  • Do not do the procedure more than 2-3 times a week.

Contraindications

Hydrocortisone ointment has a number of contraindications indicated in the instructions for use. Before prescribing this drug to a patient, the doctor must be convinced of their absence, otherwise an analogue is prescribed.

Contraindications regarding the treatment of eye pathologies:

  • tuberculosis of the visual organs;
  • primary glaucoma;
  • a history of glaucoma;
  • intraocular pressure;
  • damage to the epithelial surface of the cornea.

General contraindications include:

  • fungal and viral infections;
  • purulent lesions in the area of ​​application of the composition;
  • sensitivity to components;
  • vaccination period;

With self-therapy, the patient must first study the annotation and make sure that there are no contraindications.

Side effects

Violation of the treatment regimen, the presence of contraindications, long-term use (more than 3 weeks) or an individual reaction can be the root cause of a side effect:

  • allergy;
  • cataract;
  • eye sclera;
  • exophthalmos;
  • glaucoma;
  • increased intraocular pressure;
  • disruption of the immune system.

If during the application of the drug there was a mechanical damage to the tissues of the cornea, then there is a risk of perforation in this place.

When the drug is discontinued, side effects are usually eliminated without additional therapy.

Interaction with other drugs

The intake of glucocorticosteroid drugs in conjunction with other medications should be monitored by the attending physician.

Use of Hydrocortisone with other drugs:

  • cardiac glycosides - increases toxicity;
  • hypoglycemic agents - reduces effectiveness;
  • indirect anticoagulants - enhances the effect;
  • somatropin - reduces effectiveness;
  • muscle relaxants - increases the duration and severity of the blockade of muscle tissues;
  • antacids - the rate of absorption decreases;
  • inhibitors, diuretics, amphotericin - the risk of hypokalemia increases;
  • ionatrium - provokes an increase in pressure and the appearance of edema;
  • neuroleptics and other corticosteroids - increased risk of developing cataracts;
  • preparations of the immunization group - an increase in the risks of the activity of infections and viruses.

Due to the significant risks, the use of hydrocortisone ointment for self-treatment is not recommended.

Use in children

The use of the drug in pediatrics is allowed, but only if there are serious indications for hydrocortisone therapy. Due to the fact that in childhood the likelihood of developing side effects is much higher, the medication is prescribed in minimal doses.

If there are even slight signs of an adverse reaction, the medication should be discontinued.

For children up to a year, the remedy is prescribed only for vital indications. For babies from a year old, hydrocortisone is prescribed according to an individual scheme, with frequent intake no more than 1 - 2 times within one day.

Treatment of infants and older children is allowed with the constant supervision of a specialist and with course therapy for no more than one week. It is undesirable to prolong the course on your own due to the increased risk of complications.

Use in pregnancy

Studies on the reaction of the drug to the body of a pregnant or lactating woman, as well as a gestating fetus and an infant, have not been conducted. For these reasons, pregnancy and lactation are not absolute contraindications.

During pregnancy and lactation, the use of hydrocortisone cream is possible if there are risks to the health of the woman and the fetus. During lactation, experts recommend stopping the use of the drug, as it passes into breast milk.

Storage conditions and shelf life

The storage conditions of the medicinal product are described in the instructions that are attached to the package with the medication.

Store the product at standard room temperature or in a cool place, subject to a temperature regime of no more than 15 ° C. The medicine should be stored in a place where the child cannot get it.

The production date must be indicated on the packaging and on the tube with ointment. The shelf life is 3 years. After this period, the product is disposed of.

Analogues

Pharmaceutical companies produce a wide range of drugs in this group. Finding an alternative to hydrocortisone ointment is easy. A substitute with similar pharmacological properties is selected by a specialist. It should be clarified that all GCS medicines are prescription drugs.

Closest substitutes:

  • Phloxal;
  • Dex-gentamicin;
  • Tetracycline ointment.

A well-known and affordable analogue is tetracycline ointment. Both drugs have anti-inflammatory properties, but have a different composition. Hydrocortisone has a wider spectrum of action and is therefore considered more effective. However, in the presence of simple forms of ophthalmic diseases, tetracycline can give a significant result.