Ointment hydrocortisone: a description of the drug and the rules of its use

Ointment hydrocortisone - a drug that is often prescribed for the treatment of various diseases in ophthalmology. It is used both as a basic medicinal product, and as part of a general therapy involving other medications. So that you can also freely use it for the doctor's prescription, let's examine what kind of medicine it is, in what cases it can be prescribed and what side effects it can give.

Description of the preparation

Hydrocortisone is a topical ointment that is used in ophthalmology to combat eye pathologies accompanied by inflammatory processes.The main active substance of this agent is hydrocortisone acetate. Ointment is produced mainly in tubes of 3 g and is a homogeneous white substance (sometimes having a yellowish or greenish tinge).

Despite the fact that this medication is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription, it is not recommended to use it without prescribing a doctor. Otherwise, it can cause the development of various adverse reactions and even is capable of provoking a worsening of the patient's condition, if the latter had contraindications to this medicine.

Pharmacological action and group

This drug is referred to as glucocorticosteroids.It has a pronounced anti-edematous effect, relieves inflammation, reduces the manifestation of allergies, in particular, effectively copes with itching.The drug contributes to the development of the body substances that remove puffiness, as well as regulates the flow of leukocytes and lymphocytes to the affected areas of the eye.

The present agent is well combined with other topical preparations. But between their use it is recommended to make intervals of at least 15 minutes. Violation of this rule may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug or the occurrence of side effects.

Indications and contraindications in use

Ointment hydrocortisone has a variety of indications for use in ophthalmology. To them it is necessary to carry:

• mechanical injuries, as well as chemical eye burns;
• inflammatory processes that are allergic in nature, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis of the eyelids;
• sympathetic ophthalmia;
• inflammatory processes, in which the integrity of the epithelium of the anterior ocular chamber is not impaired.

This medication is also used to relieve inflammation and prevent complications after eye surgery, including cataract surgery. In this case, this medication will be part of the general therapy.

The presented remedy also has a number of contraindications, which must be taken into account when appointing it. Such are considered:

• Individual intolerance of the individual components of this drug.
• The presence of acute inflammatory diseases of the eyes, having a viral or fungal nature.
• Trachoma.
• Presence of purulent inflammation of the eyelids, lacrimal sac.
• Violation of the integrity of the corneal mucosa.
• Presence of primary glaucoma in humans.

Also, remember that this drug can not be taken during vaccination. For those who have recently been vaccinated against a particular disease, it is necessary to contact the attending physician and clarify when it will be possible to begin treatment with the use of this ointment. Ignoring this rule can lead to undesirable side effects.

In pregnancy

During pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding, this drug is prescribed with extreme caution.As a rule, doctors write it out when the expected effect of such a remedy exceeds the probable risk for both a woman and a child. Reception of the same drug can be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor and strictly in the dosage that is prescribed for a woman by a specialist.

At the time of taking this drug, a doctor can even recommend a woman to stop breastfeeding (if the treatment falls for lactation). After the end of the course of taking this ointment, the woman will again be able to return to breastfeeding.

To small children

Persons under the age of 18 are not prescribed this drug even in exceptional cases.For them, doctors choose a softer means, which do not give side effects.

The use of this medication for this age group without prior agreement with the doctor can lead to severe consequences, up to the development of secondary eye infection. It is especially dangerous to give this medication to children who have not been diagnosed accurately and have not determined the cause of this or that disease.

Possible complications caused by the drug

It should be noted that hydrocortisone rarely provokes side effects.However, in some cases, for example, in patients with high sensitivity to various drugs, it can provoke various complications.These include:

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• Burning, minor inflammation of the mucosa, as well as the manifestation of the vessels of the eye.These reactions are classified as allergic, most often such are the auxiliary component of the drug - methyl parahydroxybenzoate. They, as a rule, pass right after the termination of reception of such preparation.
• Short-term vision problems.After taking the presented ointment in a person for a while, the clearness of vision may decrease. During this period it is recommended to refrain from driving a vehicle, as well as to refuse to perform work that requires your increased attention.
• Increased intraocular pressure.This problem is usually observed in those patients who take the drug for a long time (more than 10 days). Especially dangerous is the condition for those patients who have glaucoma at the initial stage. To the same patients who are forced to take this remedy for a long time, it is recommended to systematically check eye pressure in order to avoid serious consequences for health.
• Development of a secondary bacterial infection.This problem usually occurs in those patients who have been treated for a long time with this remedy. Often in their case, the causative agent of blepharitis, keratitis or other ailment has time to develop resistance to the presented medicine. In this case, it is recommended to change it to a means of similar action having another active substance.

It must be remembered that the presented side effects from taking ointments can negatively affect your vision. This is why it is recommended that all patients who notice any discomfort at the time of taking this medication immediately when he appears, notify the similar fact of the attending physician, who will be able to replace you with the drug for a safer one. Only in this way you can be sure that such treatment will not harm you.

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conclusions

As we see, hydrocortisone is a very effective tool widely used in ophthalmology. Persons over 18 years of age can take it as prescribed by the doctor. To ensure that during treatment with such a drug they do not experience any side effects, and the therapy itself was effective, they are recommended to strictly follow the recommendations of an ophthalmologist on the admission of such a drug.