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Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g Cream, 1 tube — NDC 51672-3003-02 package photo
Label image from the product's FDA listing (DailyMed) — may show a different pack size or an older label revision.

Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g Cream, 1 tube — NDC 51672-3003-2 (Billing 51672-3003-02)

by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. · 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 28.35 g in 1 TUBE

This is a package of 1 tube of Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g Cream from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., marketed since Apr 2005 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $0.0799 per g (NADAC). It is the main listing for this product, which comes in 2 package sizes.

NDC 51672-3003-02
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 51672-3003-2 billing pads the package segment with a zero
This package
Contains1 tube Cost per g$0.0799 NADAC Per package$2.27 / 28.35 g Pack sizes2 compare ↓
Also priced by: Medicaid pays $0.2629/unit · Part D plans $0.4138/unit — full pricing hub ↓
Main listing for product 51672-3003 · Also comes in: 20 g 51672-3003-0
Rx only Generic On market Non-controlled ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 1, 2026 · this listing last changed Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

This page is curated, coded, and maintained by

Compiled from public FDA, CMS, DailyMed, NADAC, and related drug data sources. Editorial policy

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 51672-3003-2
Product NDC 51672-3003
11-digit billing NDC 51672300302
NCPDP billing unit GM — per gram (weight)
RxCUI 106258, 310891
UNII WI4X0X7BPJ
Application # ANDA088799
SPL Set ID e4f22e9c-cf38-473a-8f7d-8da7fd696f76
Established class (EPC) Corticosteroid
Mechanism of action Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category ANDA
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2005-04-28
Route TOPICAL
Dosage form CREAM
Substance HYDROCORTISONE
TE code (Orange Book) AT · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GPI-14 90550075003725
GPI class Hydrocortisone
GCN Seq No 007545
GCN 30943
HICL code 002867
Ingredient (HICL) Hydrocortisone
HIC1 code Q
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Ear/Eye/Nose/Rectum/Topical/Vagina/Other
HIC2 code Q5
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Agents Acting Principally On The Skin
HIC3 code Q5P
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Topical Anti-Inflammatory Steroidal
AHFS code 52:08.08.00
AHFS class Corticosteroids (Eent)
FDB label name HYDROCORTISONE 2.5% CREAM
FDB brand name Hydrocortisone
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 007545
  • GCN: 30943
  • GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 90550075003725
  • HICL (First Databank): 002867
  • AHFS class code: 52:08.08.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 106258
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 51672-3003-2 — a 5-4-1 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the package segment → 51672-3003-02. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.

Pharmacologic class Corticosteroid
Drug family (ATC) Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II), Corticosteroids, potent (group III), Corticosteroids for local oral treatment
How it works Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name HYDROCORTISONE 2.5% CREAM Ingredient Hydrocortisone
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It depends on the product. Tablets and oral granules are used for adrenal insufficiency, among other conditions. Injections are used for severe allergic states and skin diseases. R...
  • Don't stop it suddenly if you take it for adrenal insufficiency. Stopping abruptly can cause adrenal crisis, which can be fatal. Talk to your prescriber before making any changes.
  • Common ones are fluid retention, higher blood pressure, changes in blood sugar, mood changes, bigger appetite and weight gain. Call your doctor for signs of infection, vision chang...
  • Grapefruit juice and some antifungals and antibiotics can raise hydrocortisone levels. Some seizure medicines and rifampicin can lower them. Tell me about any diabetes medicines, w...
📖 Read our full Hydrocortisone guide →
8
Nutrient depletion considerations

Hydrocortisone may be associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.

🧪 Full Hydrocortisone nutrient depletion report →
An association is not a deficiency. Educational only — don't start or stop anything without professional guidance.
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer gPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $0.080 $2.27 / 28.35 g
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $0.2629 $7.45 / 28.35 g
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $0.4138 $11.73 / 28.35 g
NADAC price history (per g) — tap or hover for the price & month
Jan 2022 Aug 2022 Jan 2026 Sep 2026 $0.098 $0.070
▼ Down 14% over the last 24 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Per unit Per pack Marketing startMarketing endStatus
51672-3003-00 51672-3003-0 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 20 g in 1 TUBE — — 2005-04-28 — Active
51672-3003-02 You're viewing this Main listing 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON / 28.35 g in 1 TUBE $0.0799 / g $2.26 2005-04-28 — Active

In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 100% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓

Pack size FAQ

What quantity is in this package?
This package contains 1 tube — 1 tube in 1 carton / 28.35 g in 1 tube.
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g Cream?
Use the 11-digit billing form listed in the identifiers section of this page. Pharmacy and medical claims use the 11-digit form; the FDA label may print a shorter form of the same code.

Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/gthis 51672-3003-02 Sun 1 tube $0.080 AT Availability likely —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 00168-0146-16 E. 454 g $0.099 AT FDA listed +23%
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 00168-0080-16 E. 454 g $0.109 AT Availability likely +36%
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 45802-0014-02 Padagis 1 tube $0.122 AT Availability likely +52%
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 00472-0337-20 Actavis 1 tube $0.125 — Discontinued +57%
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 45802-0004-02 Padagis 1 tube $0.126 AT Availability likely +57%
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 62559-0431-30 ANI 1 tube $0.235 AT Availability likely +194%
Proctozone-Hc 25 mg/g 64980-0324-30 Rising 1 tube $0.235 AT Availability likely +194%
Procto-Med HC 25 mg/g 69315-0312-28 Leading 1 tube $0.235 AT Availability likely +194%
Proctosol-HC 25 mg/g 10631-0407-01 Sun 1 tube $0.698 AT Availability likely +774%
Alacort 25 mg/g 00316-0128-16 Crown 454 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 00316-0193-16 Crown 1 jar — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 50090-0244-00 A-S 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 50090-0350-00 A-S 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 50090-2452-00 A-S 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 50090-5999-00 A-S 1 tube — — FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 61919-0364-30 DIRECT 30 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63187-0480-20 Proficient 1 tube — — FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-1952-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Proctozone-Hc 25 mg/g 63629-2396-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-8666-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-8667-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Proctozone-Hc 25 mg/g 63629-8847-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Anusol HC 25 mg/g 65649-0401-30 Salix 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 66267-0967-01 NuCare 30 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 68071-2233-01 NuCare 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Procto-Med HC 25 mg/g 68071-3968-01 NuCare 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 68071-4511-02 NuCare 20 g — — FDA listed —
Proctozone-Hc 25 mg/g 68788-7091-03 Preferred 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 68788-8302-03 Preferred 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 68788-8583-02 Preferred 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 68788-9922-03 Preferred 1 tube — AT Discontinued —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 70518-3078-00 REMEDYREPACK 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 71335-2954-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 72162-1382-02 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 72162-1764-03 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Proctozone-Hc 25 mg/g 72162-1805-02 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Proctosol-HC 25 mg/g 72162-2165-02 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone Cream 25 mg/g 72189-0554-28 Direct_Rx 20 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone Cream 25 mg/g 72189-0625-30 Direct_Rx 1 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 82804-0135-28 Proficient 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 85766-0081-30 Sportpharm 30 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 85766-0085-30 Sportpharm 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-8817-01 Bryant 29 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 82804-0084-20 Proficient 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 50090-0527-00 A-S 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-2527-01 Bryant 454 g — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 72162-1383-04 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-9057-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 63629-2528-01 Bryant 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
Hydrocortisone 25 mg/g 21922-0065-05 Encube 1 tube — AT FDA listed —
About this product: this is a generic version of the medicine. FDA equivalence ratings are shown when available, and other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2005
On the market since
Apr 2005
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
21 years listed
🔓
·
Generic on the market
this product is a generic
✅This is a generic drug

This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

What it looks like

Color white
One label can cover several strengths, so colors may be combined — always confirm a loose pill against the dispensed prescription label or a pharmacist.
Where does this data come from?
Physical description (imprint, shape, color, scoring, coating) from this product’s FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL), mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII 936JST6JCN
    Cetyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from plant or animal sources. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping blend oil and water components and giving products a smooth, creamy texture.
  • UNII 8CRQ2TH63M
    Isopropyl palmitate is an oily liquid derived from palm oil. It acts as an emollient and lubricant in medicines, helping soften the skin or improve how the product spreads and flows.
  • UNII 884C3FA9HE
    Lanolin alcohol is a waxy substance derived from sheep's wool. It functions as an emollient and emulsifier in medicines, helping blend oil and water-based ingredients while softening the product's texture.
  • UNII A2I8C7HI9T
    Methylparaben is a preservative derived from benzoic acid that prevents growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold in medicines. It extends the product's shelf life and maintains safety during storage.
  • UNII T5L8T28FGP
    Mineral oil is a clear, odorless liquid derived from crude oil. It acts as a lubricant and emollient in medications, helping pills slide smoothly during manufacturing and aiding moisture retention in topical products.
  • UNII 13A4J4NH9I
    A synthetic emulsifier derived from stearic acid and polyethylene glycol. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together in liquid medicines and creams to create a smooth, uniform product.
  • UNII CAL22UVI4M
    A synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and fatty acids. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together and improves the texture and stability of the medicine.
  • UNII 6DC9Q167V3
    Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
  • UNII Z8IX2SC1OH
    Propylparaben is a chemical preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medicines and personal care products. It helps extend shelf life and maintain product safety during storage.
  • UNII X045WJ989B
    Sorbic acid is a preservative derived from berries that prevents mold, yeast, and bacterial growth in medicines. It keeps the product stable and safe during storage.
  • UNII NVZ4I0H58X
    A waxy substance made from sorbitol and stearic acid. It acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer, helping keep oil and water mixed together and preventing separation in the medicine.
  • UNII 059QF0KO0R
    Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.

12 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerSun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
Application holderTARO PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD
FDA applicationANDA088799 (ANDA)
Labeler code51672
First marketedApr 2005
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio890 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage ⏱️ Dosage and Administration ⛔ Contraindications 🤒 Adverse Reactions 🤰 Pregnancy 🧒 Pediatric Use 🆘 Overdosage 🧬 Clinical Pharmacology 📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 📦 Storage and Handling 📋 Description 💬 Information for Patients ⚠️ Precautions 🍼 Nursing Mothers 🧬 Pharmacokinetics 📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel
🎯 Indications and Usage 19 words ▾

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Topical corticosteroids are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration 54 words ▾

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply to the affected area as a thin film 2 to 4 times daily depending on the severity of the condition. Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions. If an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted.

⛔ Contraindications 21 words ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

🤒 Adverse Reactions 60 words ▾

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria.

🤰 Pregnancy 95 words ▾

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids.

Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

🧒 Pediatric Use 119 words ▾

Pediatric Use Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation.

Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.

🆘 Overdosage 17 words ▾

OVERDOSAGE Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology 192 words ▾

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 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 ).

Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys.

Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 48 words ▾

HOW SUPPLIED Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% is supplied in 28.35 g tubes (NDC 51672-3004-2) Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% is supplied in 20 g tubes (NDC 51672-3003-0) and 28.35 g tubes (NDC 51672-3003-2) Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.

📦 Storage and Handling 16 words ▾

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.

📋 Description 121 words ▾

DESCRIPTION The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents. Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% and Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% contain hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a white to practically white crystalline powder.

Chemically, hydrocortisone is pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11,17, 21-trihydroxy-, (11ß)-. Hydrocortisone has the molecular formula C 21 H 30 O 5 and molecular weight of 362.47. The structural formula is: Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% (Each gram contains 10 mg of Hydrocortisone); Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% (Each gram contains 25 mg of Hydrocortisone) in a base containing cetyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate, methylparaben, mineral oil and lanolin alcohol, polyoxyl 40 stearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol monostearate, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sorbic acid, and sorbitan monostearate.

Chemical Structure

💬 Information for Patients 123 words ▾

Information for the Patient Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing.

Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.

⚠️ Precautions ~3 min read ▾

PRECAUTIONS General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings. Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests.

If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids.

Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity (see PRECAUTIONS-Pediatric Use ). If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted.

If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled. Information for the Patient Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only.

Avoid contact with the eyes. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician.

Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing. Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings. Laboratory Tests The following tests may be helpful in evaluating HPA axis suppression: Urinary free cortisol test ACTH stimulation test Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids.

Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results. Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater suscepti… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🍼 Nursing Mothers 58 words ▾

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.

🧬 Pharmacokinetics 132 words ▾

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 ). Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 38 words ▾

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids. Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results.

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 85 words ▾

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 28.35 g Tube Carton NDC 51672-3003-2 28.35 g Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 2.5% FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE. Rx only Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. TARO hydrocortisone-02

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 28.35 g Tube Carton NDC 51672-3004-2 28.35 g Hydrocortisone Cream USP, 1% FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE. Rx only Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. TARO Principal Display Panel - 28.35 g Tube Carton

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q4 2025 · 4 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
265.8K
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
8.9M
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$2.33M
Avg / prescription
$8.76
Avg / unit
$0.2629
Latest quarter Q4 2025
48.1KRx
Medicaid pays / g
$0.2629
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / g
$0.0799
acquisition cost
=
Spread
+$0.1830
+229% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per g (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
37% FFS 63% MCO
Fee-for-service · 99,331 Rx Managed care · 166,506 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: 1,191 units · 162 per 100k residents AK Maine: 3,572 units · 256 per 100k residents ME Washington: 43,007 units · 551 per 100k residents WA Idaho: 3,391 units · 173 per 100k residents ID Montana: 5,220 units · 461 per 100k residents MT North Dakota: 10,971 units · 1,401 per 100k residents ND Minnesota: 57,927 units · 1,010 per 100k residents MN Wisconsin: 49,080 units · 830 per 100k residents WI Michigan: 552,970 units · 5,509 per 100k residents MI New York: 988,743 units · 5,052 per 100k residents NY Vermont: no data reported VT New Hampshire: no data reported NH Oregon: 17,182 units · 406 per 100k residents OR Nevada: 137,333 units · 4,300 per 100k residents NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: 2,391 units · 260 per 100k residents SD Iowa: 20,582 units · 642 per 100k residents IA Illinois: 149,241 units · 1,189 per 100k residents IL Indiana: 349,904 units · 5,099 per 100k residents IN Ohio: 432,641 units · 3,671 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: 486,351 units · 3,752 per 100k residents PA New Jersey: 399,905 units · 4,305 per 100k residents NJ Massachusetts: 22,205 units · 317 per 100k residents MA California: 1,940,245 units · 4,979 per 100k residents CA Utah: 4,791 units · 140 per 100k residents UT Colorado: 13,021 units · 222 per 100k residents CO Nebraska: 13,750 units · 695 per 100k residents NE Missouri: 61,937 units · 1,000 per 100k residents MO Kentucky: 58,229 units · 1,287 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: 35,666 units · 2,015 per 100k residents WV Virginia: 52,651 units · 604 per 100k residents VA Maryland: 211,193 units · 3,417 per 100k residents MD Connecticut: 17,123 units · 473 per 100k residents CT Rhode Island: 1,588 units · 145 per 100k residents RI Arizona: 165,565 units · 2,228 per 100k residents AZ New Mexico: 6,870 units · 325 per 100k residents NM Kansas: 10,375 units · 353 per 100k residents KS Arkansas: 29,761 units · 970 per 100k residents AR Tennessee: 22,602 units · 317 per 100k residents TN North Carolina: 127,364 units · 1,175 per 100k residents NC South Carolina: 26,823 units · 499 per 100k residents SC Delaware: 16,704 units · 1,620 per 100k residents DE Oklahoma: 31,551 units · 778 per 100k residents OK Louisiana: 204,568 units · 4,472 per 100k residents LA Mississippi: 29,422 units · 1,001 per 100k residents MS Alabama: 53,853 units · 1,054 per 100k residents AL Georgia: 68,153 units · 618 per 100k residents GA D.C.: 7,901 units · 1,164 per 100k residents DC Hawaii: 71,782 units · 5,002 per 100k residents HI Texas: 890,976 units · 2,921 per 100k residents TX Florida: 914,691 units · 4,046 per 100k residents FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
1405,509
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 Michigan 5,509 /100k
2 Indiana 5,099 /100k
3 New York 5,052 /100k
4 Hawaii 5,002 /100k
5 California 4,979 /100k
6 Louisiana 4,472 /100k
7 New Jersey 4,305 /100k
8 Nevada 4,300 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Medicaid utilization by pack size

Medicaid (SDUD) totals over the four most recent reported quarters for every package size of this drug — handy when a specific package (e.g. a starter/titration pack) carries little or no Medicaid volume on its own.
1 tube this page51672-3003-02 265,837 Rx · $2,328,048
1 tube51672-3003-00 No Medicaid data
Drug total (last 4 qtrs): 265,837 Rx · 8,856,306 units · $2,328,048 gross reimbursed
Tap a pack size to open its page. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data, last 4 quarters.

Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)

Medicare Part D (outpatient prescription) spending for Hydrocortisone — the program that covers self-administered drugs. 17 manufacturers.
⚠️ Drug-level data: CMS publishes Part D spending by drug, not by NDC — these figures combine every manufacturer, strength and package size sold under the name Hydrocortisone. That’s a different level of aggregation than the Medicaid card above, which is specific to this exact 11-digit NDC (pack size included), so the two aren’t directly comparable.
Period
Total Part D spend
$19.92M
Claims incl. refills
699.9K
Beneficiaries
529.9K
Spend / beneficiary
$37.60
Spend / claim
$28.47
Trend by period
💵 About the dollar figures: spending is what Part D plans paid before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part D Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.
← 51672-2158-01 · Sun 51672-3007-01 · Sun →
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.