Patient leaflet - Hydrocortisone 2.5 % M/M ointment
1. WHAT HYDROCORTISONE OINTMENT IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Hydrocortisone Ointment is a mild topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroid, or ‘steroid’ (not to be confused with ‘anabolic’ or ‘sex’ steroids). It helps to reduce swelling and irritation.
Hydrocortisone Ointment is used to:
- help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems. These skin problems include eczema, dermatitis or insect bites and contact sensitivity reactions
- help reduce inflammation of the outer ear.
Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Hydrocortisone Ointment is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition.
2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE HYDROCORTISONE OINTMENT
DO NOT use Hydrocortisone Ointment if you:
are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
(listed in section 6)
to treat any of the following skin problems, it could make them worse:
- viral infections, such as cold sores, herpes or chicken pox
- fungal infections, such as ringworm, athletes foot or thrush
- skin blisters or sores that are caused by an infection.
If any of the above apply to you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start to use this medicine if you:
- have psoriasis; the condition may become worse after stopping long-term treatment
- will be applying the ointment to your face. This ointment should not be used for long on face as it may damage the facial skin
will be using the ointment for the treatment of dermatitis or nappy rash on children and infants.
In this case the courses of treatment should not normally exceed 7 days
- are using this ointment under occlusive dressing, including child’s nappy, that can considerably increase the absorption of this ointment. It is possible to accidentally end up using too much ointment.
Caution should be taken to keep away from the eyes.
Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition requires a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the ointment without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
Other medicines and Hydrocortisone Ointment
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
- Hydrocortisone is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
3. HOW TO USE HYDROCORTISONE OINTMENT
Always use Hydrocortisone Ointment exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
If no specific instructions have been given then the following guidelines may be followed.
- Use the spike in the top of the cap to make a hole through the seal of the tube
- Wash your hands before applying the ointment
Apply using barrier gloves if available. If these are not available, then wash hands after applying.
If applying to the hands do not wash hands after application
- Apply a small amount of ointment and smooth over the affected area
- If the affected area becomes ‘weepy’ or infected, stop using the ointment and speak to your doctor. You may need antibiotic treatment, especially if the infection spreads
- You should not normally use Hydrocortisone Ointment on your face for many weeks or months, unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. Caution should be taken to keep away from the eyes.
The usual dose is:
Adults (including the elderly):
- Apply two to three times a day, reducing as the skin heals.
Children and Infants:
- The smaller the child the less you will need to use.
- A child of 4 years needs about a third of the adult amount.
- A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than 7 days - unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer.
- The lowest concentration should be used; 2.5 % is not normally used for children or infants
- Do not use under a nappy or an airtight dressing (such as a plaster) on an infant because this will enable the active ingredient to pass through the skin. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully if using to treat nappy rash.
If you apply Hydrocortisone Ointment to your face
You should only apply the ointment to your face if your doctor tells you to. The ointment should not be used for too long as the skin on your face thins easily.
If you use more Hydrocortisone Ointment than you should
If, by mistake on a few occasions you use more than you should, do not worry. If you apply a lot or if a lot is accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill. Talk to your doctor or go to hospital as soon as possible.
If you forget to use Hydrocortisone Ointment
If you forget to apply your ointment, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time you are next meant to apply it, wait until this time.
If you stop using Hydrocortisone Ointment
If you use Hydrocortisone Ointment regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
STOP using Hydrocortisone Ointment and tell your doctor as soon as possible if:
- you find that your skin condition gets worse or becomes swollen during treatment. You may be allergic to the ointment, have an infection or need other treatment.
Other side effects you may notice when using Hydrocortisone Ointment include:
- The skin may become thinner when used in the nappy areas of children where conditions are moist
- If Hydrocortisone Ointment is used often and for a long time, especially under dressings, adverse effects on adrenal gland function are more likely. These effects are also more likely in children and infants
- Prolonged use, especially on sensitive areas including skin folds, may result in thinning of the skin, widening of the blood vessels, stretch marks and may suppress the functioning of the adrenal gland
- Steroid withdrawal reaction. If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction, which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.
- Blurred vision. This side effect has been reported, but the frequency for it to occur is not known.
- Irritation or itching where the ointment is applied
- Increased hair growth and changes in skin colour.
Side effects if you use Hydrocortisone Ointment for long time, you use a lot each time you apply it or you apply it under an airtight dressing or nappy:
- Thinning of your skin and it may also damage more easily
- Weight gain, rounding of the face and high blood pressure. These are more likely to happen in infants and children.
If your condition becomes worse during treatment you may have an allergy to one of the ingredients or an infection. Stop using the ointment and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE HYDROCORTISONE OINTMENT
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store the ointment in a cool place.
Do not use Hydrocortisone Ointment after the expiry date which is stated on the carton or on the tube after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION
What Hydrocortisone Ointment contains:
- The active substance is hydrocortisone.
- The other ingredient is white soft paraffin.
What Hydrocortisone Ointment looks like and contents of the pack:
- Hydrocortisone Ointment is a white translucent ointment.
Hydrocortisone 2.5 % Ointment is available in 15 g tubes and 50 g or 200 g jars.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
The Marketing Authorisation holder: Teva UK Limited, Ridings Point, Whistler Drive, Castleford, WF10 5HX, United Kingdom.
Company responsible for manufacture: TEVA UK Limited, Eastbourne, BN22 9AG.
Or
Marketing Authorisation holder: Teva UK Limited, Ridings Point, Whistler Drive, Castleford, WF10 5HX, United Kingdom.
and company responsible for manufacture: Teva Pharmaceutical Works Private Limited, Pallagi Street 13, Debrecen, H 4042, Hungary
This leaflet was last revised: November 2025
PL 00289/0758