What is hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical?
Hydrocortisone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical is used to treat itching and inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, minor burns, or insect bites.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical?
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Avoid using this medication on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin, unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical.
Hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or lidocaine, or if you have:
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a heart rhythm problem.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical.