Clinical medicine profile
Hydrocortisone / Neomycin ear /eye drop
Corticosteroid [EPC]
- Route
- ORAL / IV / IM / INHALED / TOPICAL / NASAL / OPHTHALMIC
- Schedule
- POM
- ATC
- Not assigned
- PPB status
- registered
Safety essentials
The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections (untreated) for systemic steroids.
- Live vaccines with significant immunosuppression.
- Hypersensitivity.
- Topical: untreated skin infection at site (relative).
Precautions
- Warnings For external use only Do not use • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge.
- Consult a doctor. • for the treatment of diaper rash.
- Consult a doctor.
- When using this product • avoid contact with the eyes • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator Stop use and ask a doctor if • condition worsens symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor • rectal bleeding occurs Keep out of reach of children.
- If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
Dosing matrix
Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.
Directions • for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: • adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily • children under 2 years of age: do not use, ask a doctor • for external anal and genital itching, adults: • when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly • gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying • apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily • children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Fluid retention/hypertension — care in renal disease.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Prednisone needs hepatic activation to prednisolone.
Use, effects & interactions
Indications
Uses • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor
Adverse effects
- Insomnia, increased appetite, mood lability, dyspepsia, hyperglycaemia.
- Chronic: cushingoid features, myopathy, osteoporosis, HPA suppression.
- Topical: skin atrophy, striae.
- Inhaled: thrush, dysphonia.
Drug interactions
Open multi-drug checker ↗- Fixed-dose/multi-ingredient product.
- Clinical details partially inherited from component monographs: Hydrocortisone / Neomycin ear /eye drop, Neomycin / Gramicidin / Nystatin / Triamcinolone Acetonide.
- Confirm combination SmPC for exact dosing.
Mechanism & disposition
Corticosteroids bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory cytokines, inhibit phospholipase A2 via lipocortins, reduce leukocyte migration and stabilise membranes — potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Read complete mechanism
Corticosteroids bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory cytokines, inhibit phospholipase A2 via lipocortins, reduce leukocyte migration and stabilise membranes — potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Mineralocorticoid activity varies by agent.
Hours–days
Agent and route dependent
ORAL / IV / IM / INHALED / TOPICAL / NASAL / OPHTHALMIC
Pregnancy, lactation & diet
Used when maternal benefit clear; prefer agents with better obstetric data (e.g. prednisolone). Document risk–benefit.
Low-dose systemic often compatible; time feeds if high dose — agent-specific.
Brands & loaded prices
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | Observed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No reviewed brand listings are linked yet. | |||
Sources & review state
Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.