Hydrocortisone
Also known as: Corticalm · Sulfodene HC · Zymox · Dermacool HC · Cortisoothe · Efcortesol · Solu-cortef · Cortisol
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal or multifocal pruritic/inflammatory lesions | Initially used sparingly 1-4 times per day and then frequency is tapered when control is achieved. Shampoos: once a day to once a week (leave on 10 mins). | topical | q6-24h | < 2 months | 🌎 NA |
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal or multifocal pruritic/inflammatory lesions | Initially used sparingly 1-4 times per day and then frequency is tapered when control is achieved. Shampoos: once a day to once a week (leave on 10 mins). | topical | q6-24h | < 2 months | 🌎 NA |
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Considered a low potency topical corticosteroid, hydrocortisone is useful for the adjunctive treatment of localized pruritic and/or inflammatory conditions.
- Safety Profile: Because risks associated with hydrocortisone are significantly less compared to higher potency corticosteroids, it is a reasonable first choice, particularly when treating large areas or smaller patients.
- Synergistic Ingredients: Some products contain the astringent Burow's solution, which provides additional antipruritic effects.
- Clinical Pearl: Ideal for focal (e.g., pedal) or multifocal lesions for relatively short durations (less than 2 months).
Mechanism of action
Corticosteroids are non-specific anti-inflammatory agents. They act by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins) in cells → reducing the formation, activity, and release of endogenous inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, prostaglandins, kinins).
They also reduce DNA synthesis via an anti-mitotic effect on epidermal cells and inhibit the migration of leukocytes and macrophages to the area, reducing erythema, pruritus, and edema.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Tuberculosis of the skin
- Pregnancy (relative contraindication)
- Pregnant animals
- Renal disease (systemic use generally contraindicated)
- Diabetes mellitus (systemic use generally contraindicated)
Adverse effects
- Skin atrophy (with long-term use)
- Skin fragility
- Superficial follicular cysts (milia)
- Comedones
- HPA axis suppression (rare, but possible with long-term use)
- Weight loss (catabolic effect)
- Cutaneous atrophy
- Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism (PU/PD, elevated liver enzymes)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Increased urine glucose levels
- Decreased serum T3 and T4 values
- Hypothalamic-pituitary axis suppression (with prolonged use)
- Adrenal atrophy
- Impaired wound healing
- Delayed recovery from infections
- Brain damage (if hyponatraemia is corrected excessively rapidly)
Precautions
Important: Clients should wash hands after application or wear gloves. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not allow the animal to lick or chew at affected sites for at least 20-30 minutes after application.
Residual activity may affect intradermal or allergy serum tests; stop use 2 weeks prior to allergy testing.
Drug interactions
Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration
Glucocorticoids antagonize the effect of insulin
May accelerate the metabolism of corticosteroids
May decrease the metabolism of corticosteroids
Increased risk of hypokalaemia
Increased risk of hypokalaemia
Increased risk of hypokalaemia
Increased risk of hypokalaemia
Monitoring
- Resolution of clinical signs (pruritus, erythema)
- Signs of skin atrophy or secondary infection
- Serum electrolytes (especially Sodium and Potassium)
- Liver enzymes
- Blood and urine glucose
- Clinical signs of GI ulceration
- Thyroid panel (T3, T4) if indicated
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Systemic absorption is rare but possible with long-term use over large areas.
Overdose
Overdose via topical application is unlikely, but chronic overuse can lead to iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome) and HPA axis suppression.
Available products
Formulations
- Lotion
- Wipes
- Ointment
- Spray
- Shampoo
- Topical cream (0.5%, 1%)
- Topical solution (1%)
- Injectable solution (25 mg/ml)
- Injectable powder for reconstitution (100 mg, 500 mg)
- Oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg)
Veterinary
- Corticalm Lotion 1%
- Sulfodene HC Anti-Itch Lotion 0.5%
- Zymox Topical Cream/Wipes/Spray 1%
- Dermacool HC Spray 1%
- Cort/Astrin Solution 1%
- Cortisoothe Shampoo
Human-labeled
- Hydrocortisone Ointment 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%
- Hydrocortisone Cream 0.5%, 1%
- Hydrocortisone Spray 1%
- Efcortesol
- Solu-cortef
- Hydrocortisone 10 mg, 20 mg tablets
- Hydrocortisone 0.5%, 1% creams
Regulatory status
POM (Prescription Only Medicine)
POM-V
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Client information
- Application: Wash your hands after applying the medication, or wear gloves.
- Precautions: Keep the medication away from your pet's eyes.
- Licking: Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the treated area for at least 20-30 minutes after application. You may need to use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or distract them with a walk or food.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.