Cortisone Ointment: instructions for use, analogues and reviews

Means for external application are often used in various fields of medicine. Drugs may have an antibacterial effect or may be an antiseptic. Also widely used are anticoagulants and healing agents. Often, doctors prescribe antihistamines. They can have the appearance of a gel or cream. In this case, we will talk about what a cortisone ointment is. You will learn about the way it is used and the main substitutes. It is also worthwhile to acquaint the readers with the reviews that are left on the drug by those who applied it.

Composition and general characteristics

Cortisone ointment is an antihistamine, based on the action of hormones. The main active substance of the drug is hydrocortisone acetate. In the pharmacy chain, you can buy an ointment with a concentration of 1 percent. This means that 100 grams of the drug contains 1 gram of the main active substance. There is also a dosage of the drug in 0.5 and 2.5 percent.

The medication can also have additional components. Cortisone ointments are dispensed without a prescription. However, it is worth remembering that the drug refers to glucocorticosteroid drugs. The main component is normally excreted by the human adrenal glands.

Is it possible to replace the drug?

Cortisone ointments are usually well tolerated by consumers. The medication is to be replaced only in exceptional cases. Many consumers in the appointment of a drug try to find a drug with the same effect, but cheaper. In this situation, this is not required. After all, the cost of one package of the drug does not exceed 40 rubles.

Analogues of the drug should be selected only by a doctor. These include "Cortimycin", "Court-C", "Lokoid", "Laticort", "Primakort" and some others. All these funds can be attributed all to the same group of SCS. Also you can choose an analogue that does not have hormones in its composition. However, such a medicine is not always effective in eliminating a particular problem.

Indications for use

Medics often prescribed cortisone ointment. Instruction for use informs that this requires good reasons. The medicine is indicated for use in the following situations:

• Inflammatory processes in the eyeball area, including after surgery or trauma;
• Eczema and dermatitis;
• Neurodermatitis and psoriasis;
• Itching and redness of the skin;
• Insect bites.

Instructions for use say that you must always see a doctor before starting therapy. The specialist should evaluate the need for the use of the drug.

Opinion of physicians

Experts say that the product contains not complete information about a preparation such as cortisone ointment. There are other indications for the appointment of a medication. The drug can be used to treat the mucous membranes of the nose. This is often necessary for medical rhinitis or atrophic form of the common cold. Also, a correction of adenoiditis occurs.

Doctors strongly do not advise to use the described drug alone. It must be remembered that in each individual situation an individual dosage of the drug is chosen.

Limitations in the application of the facility

If you carefully study the instructions for use, you will notice that cortisone ointment has its contraindications. You need to listen to them. Otherwise, you will not be able to benefit from the therapy.

It is forbidden to use cortisone to those who are hypersensitive to it. It is not allowed to use the skin for skin infections, fungal lesions. Do not apply to open wound surfaces.

Cortisone eye ointment is not used for primary glaucoma, corneal defects, during vaccination. The drug is prohibited to be applied to the organs of vision when infected with viruses or fungi.

In pediatrics, the use of different forms of the drug is allowed only after 12 months.

Can I use the drug during pregnancy?

What does the instruction for using such a drug as cortisone ointment tell? The use of this medication is undesirable during the period of gestation. The active substance has the ability to penetrate the placenta. The drug has a negative effect on the fetus only when processing large areas of skin.

If the expected benefit for the mother is higher than the possible risk for the child, the drug may be prescribed. However, during treatment it is necessary to exercise strict control over the condition of the woman and her future baby. The use of a medicament in the form of an ophthalmic ointment has not been studied in pregnant women.

Method of application: externally

Cortisone ointment in the form of a 1% cream is applied to the surface of the affected skin. The treatment layer must be thin. Multiplicity of application - up to three times a day. The duration of therapy is an average of one to two weeks. In particularly difficult situations, it is allowed to apply a medication for up to 20 days. To enhance the effect and better absorption of the preparation, warming compresses and bandages can be used.

When prescribing a medicine in pediatrics, the course of therapy should not exceed two weeks. It is inadmissible to strengthen the action of the component with improvised means. All this increases the risk of adverse reactions.

Eye Ointment: Method of Use

Cortisone ointment is applied to the mucous membranes of the eye. Before using it, you must wash your hands. Please note that the packaging always indicates whether the preparation is for external use, or ophthalmic ointment. The concentration of the active substance in this form of medicament is 0.5 or 2.5 percent.

Put a thin strip of ointment behind the lower eyelid, which is pre-drawn by hand. Repeat manipulation three times a day. The correction duration is 14 days. If necessary, consult a doctor to extend the duration of treatment.

If you additionally use other eye drops, then it's worth taking a break between the drugs for 20 minutes. It is undesirable to use contact lenses for vision during the treatment. Give preference to points.

Negative opinions: adverse reactions

Despite the fact that the cortisone ointment has good reviews, some consumers remain unhappy with the drug. Adverse reactions occur more often when the drug is overdosed or misused. Medication can cause allergies. Consumers say that unpleasant reactions are manifested by a secondary infection of the skin and eyes, redness, itching. Swelling may develop. In case of occurrence of the described situations it is necessary to stop urgently therapy and to address to the doctor. Remember that prolonged use of the drug causes side effects associated with the action of corticosteroid hormones.

Cortisone ointment: reviews

Most of the consumers who received the drug are left with a positive opinion. The main advantage of the drug users consider its cost. After all for one packing of a medicine you should not give more than 40 rubles. Note that the medicine in the form of eye ointment is an order of magnitude more expensive, but has a smaller volume.

Patients say that the medicine has a rather dense consistency. After application, even a thin strip can create a protective film, which, in addition, becomes an obstacle to additional infection. Users report that the ointment has a pleasant smell. Apply it even to children.

Many patients remain satisfied with the result of therapy. After all, the effect of treatment comes in a few days of regular use. It is necessary to use the composition in the smallest doses.

Doctors say that after use the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. It is concentrated in the liver. It is from there that its distribution takes place. The medication is usually excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if you have any diseases of these excretory organs, then before using the drug, consult a doctor and correlate all the pros and cons.

Doctors do not advise to use cortisone preparations alone. Ointment composition is simple. However, this does not indicate its complete safety. When there are signs of needing to use a medicine, consult with the doctors. Only a doctor will be able to assess your condition sensibly and to appoint a really suitable remedy that will help in the near future. When using cortisone ointment, its cancellation should occur gradually. Usually, the frequency of application is first reduced, after which the use days alternate. For more information, contact your doctor.

Let's sum up a little

You have learned about what cortisone ointments are. They come in several forms. The use may be external or on the mucous membranes. Also in some situations, doctors prescribe alternative treatment regimens. The drug has usually positive reviews, but there are also patients who remain unhappy with the therapy.

If there is an allergic reaction, a rash or itching, the doctor can diagnose correctly only. Sometimes you have to take tests for this. Remember that the unauthorized use of any medication is unacceptable. Some drugs can inhibit the action of cortisone ointment. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, be sure to tell your doctor about it. All the best to you, do not be ill!