Proctozone HC Cream

Generic name:hydrocortisone
Dosage form: cream
Drug class:Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 1, 2021.

RX ONLY

Proctozone HC Cream Description

Each gram of Proctozone-HC® (Hydrocortisone Cream, USP 2.5%) contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone in a water-washable base of purified water, propylene glycol, glyceryl monostearate SE, cholesterol, isopropyl myristate, polysorbate 60, cetyl alcohol, sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, sorbic acid, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

Chemically, hydrocortisone is [Pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione, 11, 17, 21-trihydroxy-, (11β)-] with the molecular formula (C21H30O5) and is represented by the following structural formula:

Its molecular weight is 362.46 and its CAS Registry Number is 50-23-7. The topical corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents.

Proctozone HC Cream - Clinical Pharmacology

Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses.

(see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.