On this page
Before using hydrocortisone butyrate
Before using hydrocortisone butyrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are suffering from any skin infections or other skin conditions.
How to use hydrocortisone butyrate
- Wash the affected area of skin and dry well, removing all traces of soap.
- You only need to use a small amount of this preparation. It should be applied thinly and massaged gently into the skin until it disappears.
- One fingertip unit (a line from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand.
- Never apply more than the quantity advised by your doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If your symptoms do not begin to improve after using this preparation for 2 - 4 weeks or if they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
- Hydrocortisone butyrate should not be used on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
- Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g. the mouth, vagina or the inside of the nose).
- Do not allow this preparation to come into contact with the face unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children. In infants the preparation should not normally be used for more than 7 days.
- Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.
- Do not use this preparation under a nappy in children as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase side effects.
Can hydrocortisone butyrate cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Possible side-effects of hydrocortisone butyrate:
| Side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Thinning of the skin, damaged or oily skin, acne, increased facial hair, red marks on the face, arms, legs or trunk | Speak to your doctor immediately if you notice any of these side-effects |
If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store hydrocortisone butyrate
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
Important information about all medicines
|