Dosage form: ointment
Drug class:Topical steroids
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2021.
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Hydrocortisone in Absorbase Description
Hydrocortisone 1% in Absorbase® contains 10 mg/g of micronized hydrocortisone USP in a special absorption ointment base. Absorbase® is a water-in-oil emulsion composed of cholesterolized petrolatum and purified water USP. The product will absorb water into the internal emulsion phase, yet form a hydrophobic film on the skin. Hydrocortisone USP is C21H30O5; Pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione, 11, 17, 21-trihydroxy-, (11 beta)-, Cortisol, and has the structural formula:
Action
Topical corticosteroids are primarily effective as anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive agents.
Hydrocortisone in Absorbase - Clinical Pharmacology
Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic 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 man...
