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Overview: Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol is used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, contact dermatitis, and certain bacterial or fungal infections. Hydrocortisone is a medicine used to reduce inflammation and itching, and iodoquinol is a medicine used to treat certain skin infections. The most common side effects are skin reactions, such as burning, itching, irritation, and dryness. Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol is available as a cream or gel that is applied to the skin.

Uses

What is hydrocortisone/iodoquinol used for?

Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol is commonly used to treat various skin conditions that involve inflammation and itching, including the following.

Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does hydrocortisone/iodoquinol work (mechanism of action)?

Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol contains two medicines, hydrocortisone and iodoquinol. Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system’s defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling. Iodoquinol is an antifungal and antibacterial medicine that stops certain fungi or bacteria from infecting your skin.

How is hydrocortisone/iodoquinol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alcortin
  • Alcortin A
  • Dermazene
  • Vytone

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.9%/1% topical cream
  • 2%/1% topical gel

How should I store hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

The most common side effects of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include burning, itching, irritation, dryness, and inflammation of skin or hair follicles. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using hydrocortisone/iodoquinol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol can cause skin-related side effects, which can rarely be serious. Using it for a long time can also increase the risk of new skin infections that may require separate treatment. Stop using hydrocortisone/iodoquinol and tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of use
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, or cracking or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use hydrocortisone/iodoquinol.

  • Alcortin
  • Alcortin A
  • Dermazene
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Iodoquinol
  • Vytone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hydrocortisone/iodoquinol products they stock.

What should I know about hydrocortisone/iodoquinol before using it?

Do not use hydrocortisone/iodoquinol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share hydrocortisone/iodoquinol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep hydrocortisone/iodoquinol out of the reach of children.

Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol is for use on the skin only. Keep the medicine away from areas such as your eyes, lips, mouth, and vagina.

Use the smallest amount needed to cover the affected area. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise cover the area where hydrocortisone/iodoquinol is applied, including under diapers or plastic pants, unless your health care provider tells you to do so. 

Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol products may stain your skin, hair, and clothes.

People who are under 18 can be at greater risk for some side effects from hydrocortisone/iodoquinol. Talk to your health care provider about the risks if you are under 18 or if you are treating someone under 18.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if hydrocortisone/iodoquinol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Planned Lab Tests. Hydrocortisone/iodoquinol may affect the results of certain lab tests, including tests to check the function of your thyroid gland. It may also affect a ferric chloride test, which is used to diagnose phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic condition. Tell all your health care providers about all the medicines you use and if you have any lab work planned.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hydrocortisone/iodoquinol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if hydrocortisone/iodoquinol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use hydrocortisone/iodoquinol while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does hydrocortisone/iodoquinol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hydrocortisone/iodoquinol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hydrocortisone/iodoquinol.

Does hydrocortisone/iodoquinol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between hydrocortisone/iodoquinol and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

If you or someone else has used too much hydrocortisone/iodoquinol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol?

If you miss your scheduled dose of hydrocortisone/iodoquinol, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply hydrocortisone/iodoquinol more often than prescribed or use double or extra doses.