Hydroxym Cream HYDROCORTISONE 2% 20 mg/g Cream, 28 g
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Hydrocortisone topical is used to treat redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- It's designed to calm down inflammation — so the redness, swelling, and itching that come with conditions like eczema should ease up, usually within a few days of consistent use. I...
- What exactly is this cream supposed to do for my skin?
- That's a really important question. Hydrocortisone is generally meant for short courses — typically a few weeks. Long-term or widespread use can cause side effects like skin thinni...
- How long can I keep using it? Is it okay to use every day long-term?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 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.
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UNII WR1WPI7EW8
A synthetic form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant. It prevents oils and fats in the medicine from breaking down and becoming rancid, helping keep the product stable during storage.
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UNII ZY81Z83H0X
Aloe vera leaf is a plant extract derived from the aloe plant. It is used in medicines as a natural moisturizer and skin-soothing agent in topical formulations.
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UNII I9PJ0O6294
A modified starch derived from corn or potato starch with aluminum salt and octenylsuccinic acid added. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a thickening agent in liquid formulations.
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UNII 568ET80C3D
Calcium pantothenate is a salt form of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin derivative. It's used as a nutritional supplement or vitamin fortification ingredient in medicines and formulations.
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UNII 9S60Q72309
A plant-derived ingredient made from safflower seed components. It acts as an emulsifier and carrier to help distribute oils and active ingredients evenly throughout the medicine.
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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.
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A weak organic acid derived from citrus fruits or made through fermentation. It works as a buffer to control pH, a preservative to extend shelf life, and a flavoring agent in medications.
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Dimethicone is a silicone-based oil that acts as an anti-foaming agent and lubricant in medicines. It reduces gas bubbles in liquid formulations and helps coat and protect the stomach lining when ingested.
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A salt derived from edetic acid that binds to trace metals in medicines. It serves as a chelating agent and preservative to prevent metal-catalyzed breakdown of the drug and extend shelf life.
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UNII C5529G5JPQ
Ginger is a plant-derived ingredient used as a flavoring agent to add taste and aroma to medicines. It may also provide mild soothing properties to support product palatability.
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UNII PDC6A3C0OX
Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
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UNII 230OU9XXE4
A waxy substance made from glycerin and stearic acid that acts as an emulsifier to blend oily and watery ingredients together. It also helps thicken and stabilize the medicine's texture.
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Hyaluronate sodium is a natural carbohydrate that holds moisture. It's used in medicines as a lubricant, thickener, and moisture-retaining agent to improve texture and delivery of the active ingredient.
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UNII 24WE03BX2T
Levomenol is a naturally derived alcohol compound used as a skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory agent in topical formulations. It helps soothe and protect the skin while improving product texture and absorption.
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UNII 7CVR7L4A2D
A starch-derived carbohydrate produced by breaking down corn, potato, or tapioca starch. It functions as a filler and binder to give the medicine bulk and texture, and sometimes as a mild sweetener or texture enhancer in powders and tablets.
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UNII 25X51I8RD4
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble nutrient. In medicines, it may be added as a nutritional supplement or to support skin health, though its primary role here is as an active ingredient rather than a traditional inactive filler.
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Oat is a cereal grain used in medicines as a filler and binder. It helps give the medication its shape and structure while adding bulk to the formulation.
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A waxy substance made from polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together and serves as an emulsifier and solubilizer in liquid and semi-solid medicines.
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Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative and antimicrobial agent used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medicines and cosmetic products, extending shelf life and maintaining product safety.
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Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6, added to medicines as a nutritional supplement or to meet dietary requirements. It supports the body's metabolism and nerve function.
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UNII K49155WL9Y
Shea butter is a fat extracted from shea tree nuts. It's used in medicines as an emollient and lubricant to soften the product, improve texture, and help ingredients blend smoothly together.
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Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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UNII 836SJG51DR
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a derivative of vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant and preservative in medications. It helps protect the drug's active ingredients from degradation caused by air and light exposure.
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UNII 2KR89I4H1Y
Stearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from natural oils or made synthetically. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping mix ingredients together and give the product the right texture.
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UNII 1D1K0N0VVC
A fat-soluble form of vitamin A used as a colorant and nutritional fortification ingredient. It gives products a yellow or orange tint and increases vitamin A content in the formula.
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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.
26 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
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?
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💲 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 system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroxym Cream 20 mg/gthis 59088-0208-03 | PureTek | 28 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Hydroxate Gel 20 mg/g 59088-0328-03 | PureTek | 28 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
Where does this data come from?
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59088-0208-03 You're viewing this | 28 g in 1 TUBE (59088-208-03) | 2024-03-21 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
Listed without an FDA application
This product's marketing category indicates it is marketed without an approved FDA application (no NDA, ANDA, or BLA on file). Having an NDC does not by itself establish FDA approval — the NDC Directory is a listing system, not an approval decision. Approval-linked data such as Orange Book therapeutic-equivalence ratings therefore does not apply.
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
Is this NDC FDA-approved?
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Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Topical corticosteroids are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Topical corticosteroids are generally applied to the affected area as a thin film from two to four 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 ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS: For external use only. Not for ophthalmic use. PRECAUTIONS General: Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamicpituitary- 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: 1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only.
Avoid contact with the eyes. 2. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.
3. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. 4.
Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing. 5. 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 the 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 t…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
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 ▾
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 ▾
Pediatric Use - Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced 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 ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
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 .) Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systematically 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 ▾
HOW SUPPLIED: Hydroxym™ Cream is available as follows: 1 oz. (28 g) tube (NDC 59088-208-03). Do not use if tube seal is broken. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATION OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Do not use if tube seal is broken. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATION OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Each gram of Hydroxym™ Cream contains 20 mg of hydrocortisone in a cream base of Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Aqua (Purified Water), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Carthamus Tiinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, DL-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Maltodextrin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6), Retinyl Palmitate, Silica, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Stearyl Alcohol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract.
Chemically, hydrocortisone is [Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11,17, 21-trihydroxy-, (11β)-] with the molecular formula (C 21 H 30 O 5 ) and is represented by the following structural formula: Its molecular weight is 362.47 and its CAS Registery Number is 50-23-7. The topical corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for the Patient - Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only.
Avoid contact with the eyes. 2. Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.
3. The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. 4.
Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressing. 5. 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.