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Locoid Lipocream®
(hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%)
Cream
For Dermatological Use Only
DESCRIPTION
Locoid Lipocream® Cream contains the topical corticosteroid hydrocortisone butyrate, a hydrocortisone ester.
It has the chemical name: (11ß)-11,21-dihydroxy-17-[(1-oxobutyl)oxy]-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione;
the molecular formula: C25H36O6;
the molecular weight: 432.54;
and the CAS registry number: 13609-67-1.
The structural formula is:
Each gram of Locoid Lipocream® Cream contains 1 mg of hydrocortisone butyrate in a hydrophilic base consisting of cetostearyl alcohol, ceteth-20, mineral oil, white petrolatum, citric acid, sodium citrate, propylparaben and butylparaben (preservatives) and purified water.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.
The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.
PHARMACOKINETICS
The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings or widespread application may increase the possibility of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression.
The vasoconstrictor assay showed that Locoid Lipocream® Cream had a more pronounced skin blanching effect than Locoid® Cream, suggesting greater percutaneous absorption from the former. At the present time, no adequate HPA axis suppresion studies have been conducted for Locoid Lipocream® Cream.
Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees.
Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Locoid Lipocream® (hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%) Cream is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible HPA axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which increase the risk of systemic toxicity include the application of more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings. Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity. (See PRECAUTIONS - PEDIATRIC USE.)
If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.
Information for the Patient
Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions:
- This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.
- The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive.
- Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions.
- Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.
Laboratory Tests
The following tests may be helpful in evaluating the HPA axis suppression:
Urinary free cortisol test ACTH stimulation test
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids. Studies to determine mutagenicity in Salmonella ryphimurium strains TA98, TA100, and TA92 with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results.
Pregnancy
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk.
Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio.
HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids.
Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation.
Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of children.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are uled in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria.
OVERDOSAGE
Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Locoid Lipocream® (hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%) Cream should be applied to the affected areas as a thin film two or three times daily (depending on the severity of the condition) and for no longer than two weeks. If an infection develops, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted.
HOW SUPPLIED
Locoid Lipocream® (hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%) Cream is supplied in tubes containing:
15 g NDC 0496-0821-15
45 g NDC 0496-0821-45
60 g NDC 0496-0821-25
STORAGE
Store at controlled temperature between 59º - 77ºF (15º - 25ºC).
Protected Under U.S. Patent