Topical products are often used in various fields of medicine. Drugs may have an antibacterial effect or be an antiseptic. Anticoagulants and healing agents are also widely used. Doctors often prescribe antihistamines. They may be in the form of a gel or cream. In this case, we will talk about what a cortisone ointment is. You will learn about the method of its application and the main substitutes. It is also worth acquainting readers with the reviews that are left about the drug by those who used it.
Composition and general characteristics
Cortisone ointment is an antihistamine based on the action of hormones. The main active ingredient of the drug is hydrocortisone acetate. In the pharmacy network, you can purchase an ointment with a concentration of 1 percent. This means that 100 grams of the drug contains 1 gram of the main active ingredient. There is also a dosage of the drug in 0,5 and 2.5 percent.
The drug may also have additional components. Cortisone ointments are available without a prescription. However, it is worth remembering that the drug belongs to glucocorticosteroid drugs. The main component is normally secreted by the human adrenal glands.
Can the drug be substituted?
Cortisone ointments are generally well tolerated by consumers. The medication must be replaced only in exceptional cases. Many consumers, when prescribing a particular drug, try to find a drug with the same effect, but cheaper. This is not required in this situation. After all, the cost of one package of the drug does not exceed 40 rubles.
Analogues of a medicinal product should be selected only by a doctor. These include Cortimycin, Kort-S, Lokoid, Latikort, Primakort and some others. All these funds can be attributed to the same group of GCS. You can also choose an analogue that does not contain hormones. However, such a medicine is not always effective in eliminating a particular problem.
Indications for use
Doctors often prescribe cortisone ointment. Instructions for use informs that good reasons are needed for this. The medicine is indicated for use in the following situations:
- inflammatory processes in the eyeball area, including after surgical interventions or injuries;
- eczema and dermatitis;
- neurodermatitis and psoriasis;
- itching and redness of the skin;
- bitesinsects.
Instructions for use says that before starting therapy, you must definitely see a doctor. The specialist must evaluate the need for the use of the drug.
Medics' opinion
Experts say that the instruction contains incomplete information about such a drug as cortisone ointment. There are other indications for prescribing the drug. The medicine can be used to treat the mucous membranes of the nose. This is often necessary for drug-induced rhinitis or an atrophic form of the common cold. Adenoiditis is also corrected in a similar way.
Doctors strongly advise against using the described drug on their own. It must be remembered that in each individual situation an individual dosage of the drug is chosen.
Restrictions on the use of the product
If you carefully study the instructions for use, you will notice that cortisone ointment has its own contraindications. They need to be listened to. Otherwise, you will not be able to benefit from your therapy.
It is forbidden to use cortisone for those persons who are hypersensitive to it. It is not allowed to use for viral infections of the skin, fungal infections. It is forbidden to apply the product to open wound surfaces.
Cortisone eye ointment is not used for primary glaucoma, corneal defects, during vaccination. It is forbidden to apply the medication to the organs of vision in case of infection with virusesor mushrooms.
In pediatrics, the use of different forms of the drug is allowed only after 12 months.
Can I use the drug during pregnancy?
What does the instructions for using a drug like cortisone ointment say? The use of this medication is undesirable during the period of bearing a child. The active substance has the ability to cross the placenta. The tool has a negative effect on the fetus only when processing large areas of the skin.
If the expected benefit to the mother is higher than the possible risk to the baby, then the drug may be prescribed. However, during treatment, it is necessary to exercise strict control over the condition of the woman and her unborn baby. The use of the drug in the form of an ophthalmic ointment has not been studied in pregnant women.
How to use: externally
Cortisone ointment in the form of a one percent cream is applied to the surface of the affected skin. The treatment layer should be thin. Multiplicity of application - up to three times a day. The duration of therapy is on average from one to two weeks. In especially severe situations, it is allowed to apply the medication for up to 20 days. To enhance the effect and better absorption of the drug, you can use warm compresses and dressings.
When prescribing a medicine in pediatrics, the course of therapy should not exceed two weeks. It is unacceptable to enhance the action of the component by improvised means. All this increases the risk of adverse reactions.
Eye ointment: method of use
Cortisone ointment is applied to the mucous membranes of the eye. Be sure to wash your hands before using it. Please note that the packaging always indicates whether it is a drug for external use, or an eye ointment. The concentration of the active substance in this type of medication is 0.5 or 2.5 percent.
Put a thin strip of ointment behind the lower eyelid, which is pre-pulled with your hand. Repeat the manipulation three times a day. The duration of the correction is 14 days. If necessary, consult a doctor to extend the duration of treatment.
If you additionally use other eye drops, then you should take a break between drugs for 20 minutes. It is undesirable during the treatment period to use contact lenses for vision. Give preference to glasses.
Negative opinions: adverse reactions
Despite the fact that cortisone ointment has mostly good reviews, some consumers remain dissatisfied with the drug. Adverse reactions often occur with an overdose of the drug or its incorrect use. The medication may cause an allergic reaction. Consumers say that unpleasant reactions are manifested by a secondary infection of the skin and eyes, redness, itching. Edema may develop. In the event of the occurrence of the described situations, it is necessary to immediately stop therapy and consult a doctor. Be aware that prolonged use of the drug causes side effects associated with the action of corticosteroid hormones.
Cortisone ointment: reviews
Most of the consumers who were prescribed the drug remain with a positive opinion. The main advantage of the drug users consider its cost. After all, for one package of medication you do not have to pay more than 40 rubles. Note that the medicine in the form of an eye ointment costs an order of magnitude more expensive, but has a smaller volume.
Patients say that the medicine has a rather thick consistency. After applying the drug, even a thin strip can create a protective film, which, among other things, becomes an obstacle to the attachment of an additional infection. Users report that the ointment has a pleasant smell. Even children will enjoy applying it.
Many patients are satisfied with the result of therapy. After all, the effect of treatment occurs after a few days of regular use. In this case, it is necessary to apply the composition in the smallest doses.
Doctors say that after use, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. It concentrates in the liver. This is where the distribution comes from. The drug is usually excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if you have any diseases of these excretory organs, then you should consult a doctor before using the drug and compare all the pros and cons.
Doctors do not recommend using cortisone preparations on your own. The composition of the ointment is simple. However, this does not at all indicate its complete safety. If there are signs that you need to use the medicine, consult your doctor. Only a doctor will be able to sensibly assess your condition and prescribe a really suitablea tool that will help in the near future. When using cortisone ointment, its cancellation should occur gradually. Usually, the frequency of use is first reduced, after which the days of use alternate. For more information, contact your he althcare provider.
Summarize a little
You have learned about what cortisone ointments are. They are of several types. Use can be external or on mucous membranes. Also, in some situations, doctors prescribe alternative treatment regimens. The drug usually has positive reviews, but there are also patients who are dissatisfied with the therapy.
If an allergic reaction, rash or itching occurs, only a doctor can correctly diagnose. Sometimes this requires testing. Remember that it is unacceptable to use any medicines on your own. Some drugs can inhibit the effect of cortisone ointment. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, be sure to tell your doctor. All the best to you, do not get sick!
