But the remedy is not a panacea, and the hormonal component of the drug carries a potential threat. Therefore, it is so important to use Hydrocortisone for the eyes correctly, strictly following the instructions.
Composition and impact
Eye hydrocortisone acetate, which is part of the ointment, is artificially synthesized, but has all the properties of natural glucocorticosteroids that are produced by the adrenal glands. It is he who has the main effect, removing inflammation and allergies. As mandatory components, the preparation includes such secondary fat-containing substances as lanolin and medical vaseline, as well as a number of other chemicals that provide a therapeutic effect.
In addition to ointments, some pharmaceutical companies offer gels and creams, where the same corticosteroid is the main active ingredient. Medicines are packaged in special tubes of 3 or 5 g.
The main active ingredient of the ointment has the following biochemical effects:
- reduces allergic manifestations, reducing the activity of immunoglobulins, their connection with antigens;
- reduces the intensity of inflammatory reactions;
- reduces swelling due to the cessation of the accumulation of leukocytes in the area of inflammation, compaction of the walls of small vessels;
- slows down the metabolism in the treated area, which stops the formation of scars after injuries, operations or burns.
The point of application of the medicinal effect of the ointment is the skin of the eyelids and the conjunctiva of the eyeball. That is, the agent has an effect at the site of application. But in a small amount, the hormone penetrates through the cornea into the internal eye structures, and then into the blood. In this case, its assimilation occurs in the liver, and the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract take over the excretion.
The results of using the ointment:
- removal of edema of periorbital tissues;
- reduction of redness of the eyelids and mucous membrane of the eyeball;
- reduction of itching, discomfort and pain of various etiologies in the eye area;
- cessation of peeling of the eyelids.
The advantages of the drug include the lack of influence on concentration and mental activity.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for the use of hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment:
- acute and chronic eye diseases of allergic origin - keratitis, blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis, iridocyclitis;
- inflammation of the structures of the anterior part of the eyeball - uveitis, iritis, - without penetrating damage to the cornea;
- eye burns due to temperature or chemical exposure after the corneal surface has healed;
- prevention and treatment of traumatic and postoperative complications;
- sympathetic ophthalmia - non-purulent inflammation of the vessels and tissues of an intact eyeball with a penetrating injury to the other eye;
- restoration of the cornea after its inflammation of various origins.
Hydrocortisone ointment from barley on the eye is also widely prescribed by oculists, but only in combination with antibacterial ointments. .
Caution should be used in inflammatory and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes mellitus, pathology of the heart and kidneys.
Hydrocortisone ointment can cause an allergic reaction, although it is itself intended to combat allergies. If, after application, swelling, redness, peeling and discomfort in the eyes increase, the use of the drug is absolutely contraindicated.
A relative contraindication to the use of the ointment is the wearing of contact lenses. The best solution is to replace them with glasses that are adequate for visual acuity.
If problems arose during the bearing of a child, especially in the first three months, the expectant mother should definitely consult an ophthalmologist. A breastfeeding woman should stop breastfeeding for the duration of the ointment.
Instruction and dosage
Each user should carefully study the instructions for use of Hydrocortisone ointment, as there is a hormonal component in the composition.
How to use:
- Wash your hands with soap.
- Gently pull back the lower eyelid.
- Squeeze a strip of ointment into the mucous membrane of the diseased eye.
For adults
The frequency of application of ointment with hydrocortisone depends on the severity and nature of the pathology. Usually, the agent is applied from one to three times a day, having coordinated the technique with the attending ophthalmologist. After any eye drops, the ointment is applied after 20 minutes.
The maximum duration of the treatment course: no more than two weeks. As the condition of the eyes improves, the frequency of application and dosage of the ointment decreases. With positive dynamics, it can only be used at night.
What else must be followed? Shelf life and storage conditions in accordance with the instructions - no more than two years from the date of manufacture and preferably in the refrigerator. If the tube of ointment has already been opened, you can store it only for a month.
If necessary, the use of a hormone-containing drug by a pregnant or lactating woman is prescribed the minimum dose and time of treatment. It is important to take into account the likely risk to the child.
For kids
For children, hydrocortisone ointment should be used with caution, especially up to 12 years. The child has an imperfect immune system, the eye membranes are more vulnerable, the hormonal component can affect not only the structures of the eye, but the entire body.
Therefore, for children, Hydrocortisone eye ointment is used only according to strict indications, therapy is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. Hydrocortisone eye ointment for children is used for no more than 3-5 days. The continuation of the course is possible only after the approval of the pediatric ophthalmologist.
Side effects
Adverse reactions often occur with improper or prolonged use of hydrocortisone ointment.
The most frequent adverse reactions:
- blepharitis;
- eczema of the periorbital region;
- recurrent conjunctivitis;
- unstable increase in intraocular pressure with impaired visual fields;
- progression;
- damage to the cornea with the formation of ulcers;
- secondary infection of eye tissues due to a decrease in local immunity;
- poor healing after ophthalmic operations;
- short-term burning and redness in the eye area.
If you follow the instructions, there will be no such effects.
Interaction with other drugs
When using an ointment with hydrocortisone, the penetration of the hormone into the blood cannot be excluded. This can lead to an adverse reaction with medications that the patient is forced to take regularly. That is why it is so important to tell your doctors about your health and the medications you are taking.
The interaction of the hormone with the following groups of drugs is dangerous:
- cardiac glycosides (Digogsin);
- blood-thinning drugs (Thrombo-ass);
- immunosuppressants (Cyclosporin);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac);
- antifungal agents (ketoconazole);
- oral contraceptives.
The use of the ointment reduces the absorption of vitamin D, the effect of antidepressants (Coaxil, Zoloft) and antihistamines (Tavegil), the effectiveness of insulin and antihypertensive drugs.
When using neuroleptics (Haloperidol) simultaneously with eye treatment with ointment, according to some reports, cataracts develop faster. It is undesirable to combine the drug with the use of diuretics.
Price
The cost of an ointment with hydrocortisone depends on the concentration of the hormone, the amount of the drug in the tube, the manufacturer, the region of Russia and the rating of the pharmacy chain offering the product . On average, there are such prices:
- 0.5% ointment in a volume of 5 g costs from 30 to 50 rubles;
- an ointment containing 1% of the hormone is usually packaged in tubes of 2.5 g - the cost is about 60-70 rubles;
- the price of a drug with a 2.5% hormonal component is 100 rubles and more per tube.
Analogues
If it is impossible to use hydrocortisone in the treatment of eye diseases, the doctor prescribes other drugs that have a good therapeutic effect. To do this, use the following ointments with hormones:
- Cortimycin.
- Maxidex.
- Dexamethasone.
Eye ointment Hydrocortisone Pos has a similar composition and indications, is produced in Germany (1 and 2.5%).
To reduce inflammation, ophthalmologists often prescribe antibiotic ointments - Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Tobrex.
Hydrocortisone ointment effectively relieves a number of symptoms of various ophthalmic diseases. But the drug has many contraindications and does not affect the cause of the disease.
Useful video on how to use eye ointment
Hydrocortisone ointment (it is also sometimes called hydrocartized by mistake) refers to hormonal drugs that can quickly relieve swelling, inflammation and itching. The use of the drug in childhood should only be done after consulting your doctor, as hydrocortisone can cause serious side effects.
If you follow the instructions and all the precautions, you can get a quick therapeutic result with a short course of treatment.
General description of the ointment and composition
Eye ointment Hydrocortisone has a glucocordicoid and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It is a dense creamy substance of white color. Each gram of the active substance contains 10 mg of hydrocortisone acetate.
Reference: For the treatment of young children, a drug of 1% concentration is used. The product is produced in small aluminum tubes. The total weight of the ointment is 10 g.
Pharmacological effects on the body
Due to the rapid anti-inflammatory effect, the patient already in the first day has a noticeable reduction of swelling of the affected area, itching, redness and allergic reactions are eliminated.
After entering the focus of inflammation, a rapid violation of the synthesis of prostaglandins occurs and tissue kinins are activated. Simultaneously there is a noticeable decrease in the supply of leukocyte and lymphocytic cells into the affected area.
After use the main amount of the substance is heated in the mucous membrane of the eye and the epidermis. The absorbed part of the active substance is metabolized in the skin cells, after which it is processed in the liver. Only a small part of the drug is excreted from the body through the kidneys with urine.
Indications for the use of hydrocortisone in children
In children, hydrocortisone ointment is used for the following diagnoses:
- allergic manifestations that can occur on the eyes and skin;
- barley and conjunctivitis;
- any kind of dermatitis on the eyelids;
- neurodermatitis and eczema;
- burns and eye injuries;
- severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye and eyelids.
Attention! Sometimes Hydrocortisone is prescribed after surgery. The ointment is used to suppress possible inflammation, quickly relieve swelling and reduce hyperemia of the eye and eyelids.
In what cases can they treat a child?
Hydrocortisone ointment can be used after two years, but only after a mandatory consultation with the attending physician and ophthalmologist. The specialist is obliged to evaluate the performance of the kidneys and liver, as well as the real need for the use of a hormonal drug.
In some cases, the drug can be prescribed from the first year of life, but this is a significant dose adjustment and reduction of the classical course of treatment.
Instructions for use of the drug
Now about the instructions for using hydrocortisone eye ointment for children. When used topically medicinal the drug is required to be applied to the affected area 2 times a day, while maintaining the same time intervals.
The duration of treatment depends entirely on the intensity of the disease, the reaction of the child to the active substance of the drug and the final result.
Important! In some cases, with small lesions, a sick child may be given occlusive compresses. They should also be changed 2-3 times a day.
Usually the course lasts no more than 6-14 days.
If the disease is difficult to treat or severe lesions of the eyelids and adjacent skin are observed, the doctor may extend therapy up to three weeks or increase the number of daily applications up to three times.
If it is necessary to apply an ointment for the treatment of the mucous membrane of the eye, it should be injected gently into the conjunctival sac. Lay the active substance 2 times a day for 1 mm of ointment.
In severe lesions, it may be necessary to increase the dose to three doses per day.
Treatment in this case lasts 3-14 days.
Side effects
The most frequently mentioned side effects are:
- severe redness of the affected area;
- increased swelling and redness;
- when laid in the eye, there may be a slight decrease in visual acuity;
- increased itching and the appearance of signs of an infectious disease.
Attention! Similar problems arose in children due to individual intolerance to the active substance or due to a violation of the prescribed dosage.
Precautionary measures
In order for the treatment to be successful and not accompanied by side effects, required to comply with a number of mandatory measures:
- never increase the dosage and course of therapy without consulting a doctor;
- do not use Hydrocortisone ointment on children under one year old;
- the drug is not taken in the presence of ulcerative lesions on the eyelids and wounds;
- since the ointment with prolonged use can provoke secondary infectious lesions, it is advisable to carry out treatment while taking antibacterial agents.
Regardless of the age at which the ointment is prescribed to the child, Before using Hydrocortisone, you must always consult with your doctor. This will avoid possible allergic reactions, tissue necrosis and withdrawal syndrome.
It is also worth remembering that hydrocortisone the ointment is never used for the infectious nature of the disease, including conjunctivitis.
Inflammatory eye diseases can occur for various reasons. Infections, injuries, allergies have a negative effect on the mucous membranes, vascular membranes, and epithelial tissue. For each pathological case, its own medicine is selected. A wide selection of ophthalmic products allows, when choosing a prescription, to take into account the cause of the disease, the state of human health, and the price of the drug. Instructions for the use of hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment are presented in the article.
What is Hydrocortisone, what helps and when is it used
Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. In the human body, Cortisol regulates carbohydrate metabolism, ensuring the conservation of energy resources.
Average price 40 rubles
In ophthalmology, hydrocortisone acetate or sodium hemisuccinate is used. The main active ingredient in Hydrocortisone Eye Ointment is Hydrocortisone Acetate. Synthetic steroid dissolves well in liquids, has qualities similar to natural hormone.
Properties of eye ointment:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiallergic;
- anti-exudative.
The peculiarity of the drug is due to its ability to penetrate the cell membrane and suppress the focus of inflammation. As a result of the action of Hydrocortisone, the release of exudate (a fluid produced by cells during inflammation) decreases, cell destruction and the growth of connective tissue are prevented.
For pregnant women, the drug may pose a threat to the health of the unborn child, as it passes through the placenta and can cause underdevelopment of the adrenal glands.
The use of an ophthalmic agent should be carried out under medical supervision as a last resort.
During lactation, corticosteroids pass into breast milk and may suppress adrenal function.
With prolonged use of eye ointment, manifestations of systemic disorders characteristic of intravenous, intramuscular administration are possible:
- decreased immunity;
- water retention;
- hypernatremia (high sodium content);
- hypokalemia (decrease in potassium levels);
- increased capillary permeability;
- effect on the liver (increased glycogen levels).
Control required:
- for intraocular pressure in open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma;
- the content of potassium and sodium in the blood;
- condition of the heart muscle.
A shift in water-salt metabolism is the cause of the appearance of signs of hypertension (high blood pressure).
A 30 mg dose of Hydrocortisone (as a result of accumulation) leads to the development of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome (hypercortinism). Symptoms of an overdose of a hormonal drug are disorders of fat metabolism, destruction of muscles and bones, susceptibility to infection.
During therapy with eye ointment, the function of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland is inhibited. With a sharp cessation of administration, a withdrawal syndrome occurs (deterioration in comparison with the start of treatment).
Cortisol has the ability to reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood. The body's ability to respond to infections and allergies decreases, and tissue healing slows down.
How to properly apply eye ointment
Cortisol is a stress hormone that mobilizes the body's defenses. Antagonist hormones suppress the action of Cortisol: Beclomethasone, Ketocanazole.
The level of Cortisol in the blood is not affected by gender and age. The exception is pregnant women: in the last months of pregnancy, the percentage of the hormone is higher than normal from 2 to 5 times.
Children are more susceptible to the action of Cortisol due to the risk of developing a secondary infection, helminthic infection. During treatment, vaccination is not recommended due to reduced immunity.
It is also worth learning about the causes and treatment of xanthelasma of the eyelids.
Instructions for use
The ointment is produced in the form of an aluminum tube with a volume of 10 g as an external and local remedy.
Composition: 5 mg of Hydrocortisone acetate in 1 g of ointment (0.5%).
Indications
Indications for the use of hydrocortisone ointment - the drug helps with:
- with inflammation of the eyelids;
- irises (iritis);
- iris and vascular tissue of the ciliary muscle (iridocyclitis);
- cornea;
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- with barley and dermatitis;
- after injuries and chemical burns (after complete restoration of eye tissues);
- in the postoperative period.
About the treatment of recurrent erosion of the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye and by what means you can find out.
Contraindications to the use of a hormonal drug
Contraindications for use:
- infectious nature of inflammation (bacterial, viral, fungal);
- the initial stage of glaucoma;
- tuberculosis;
- violation of the integrity of the cornea. But what are the symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye, this information will help to understand;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- age up to 2 years;
- during vaccination;
- wearing contact lenses;
- hypertension.
About various diseases of the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe human eye can be found in.
Possible violations of the visual organs:
- burning in the eyes;
- redness of the sclera;
- increased intraocular pressure;
- glaucoma (with a long course of treatment);
- cataract (with frequent use);
- corneal ulceration.
You can learn about the treatment of congenital glaucoma by.
On the video - the rule of application of the tool:
Systemic disorders during long-term therapy: secondary infection; dysfunction of the adrenal glands.
Dosage and method of application: 1 cm of Hydrocortisone acetate is placed under the lower eyelid 2-3 times / day.
The duration of therapy should not exceed 14 days.
The effect of hydrocortisone when taking medications:
- the possibility of arrhythmias (when combined with cardiac drugs);
- blocking the action of Acetylsalicylic acid;
- toxic effect on the liver (simultaneous use with Paracetamol);
- gastric bleeding (with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
After applying the ointment, it takes time to restore visual acuity when driving.
Learn how to properly apply eye ointment for inflammation for children.
Prices and drugs - analogues: eye drops and ointments
According to the form of release and action, an analogue of Hydrocortisone is Maxidex eye ointment with the active substance Dexamethasone. In the form of an ointment, a combined anti-inflammatory agent Dex-gentamicin (antibacterial, antiallergic) is produced.
In other cases, analogues are eye steroid drops Dexamethasone, Prednisolone, Maxidex.
The price of ophthalmic hormonal agents:
In terms of effectiveness and price, Hydrocortisone is the cheapest ophthalmic hormonal drug.
Hydrocortisone ointment or, as some people mistakenly call it, hydrocartized, is a hormonal drug that has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and antipruritic properties. It is used in the treatment of various diseases of an ophthalmic nature, but due to the presence of contraindications, hydrocortized eye ointment in the treatment of children should be used only after consultation with the attending physician. Proper use of the drug in combination with strict adherence to the instructions will achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
general description
The drug is used to treat eye diseases only if the corneal epithelium of the patient's eye is not damaged. The active ingredient in hydrocortisone ointment is hydrocortisone - a substance that is a drug of natural origin. In addition to ophthalmic diseases, this tool is also used in oncology.
Also in the composition of hydrocortisone ointment, which is available in small tubes of 3 g or 5 g, includes methylparaben and nipagin. It is recommended to store the ointment in a cool place at a temperature not exceeding 15 degrees. Shelf life - 24 months. The drug is intended exclusively for topical use.
In what cases is the drug prescribed
The appointment of a hormonal drug, as a rule, occurs with the development of the following pathologies:
- eye diseases of an allergic nature. This includes many different ailments, starting with banal barley, and ending with;
- eyelid skin dermatitis;
- thermal or chemical burns;
- mechanical damage to the organs of vision, accompanied by bruising or swelling.
On a note! Depending on the type of disease, its neglect, as well as the state of health of the patient, the duration of the therapeutic course may vary. But in order to speed it up, doctors often prescribe the use of an ultrasound method of therapy in complex treatment.
Contraindications
Like all medications, hydrocortisone ointment has contraindications for use, which must be taken into account when treating a particular disease:
- corneal damage;
- development of glaucoma ( this is a pathology accompanied by an increase);
- purulent infection;
- eye tuberculosis;
- ophthalmic diseases caused by various fungi or viruses.
But the main contraindications, of course, include individual intolerance to the individual components of the drug. If the patient has been diagnosed with glaucoma, then throughout the entire therapeutic course, he needs to regularly check intraocular pressure. Also, the check must be performed with prolonged use of the ointment (more than 14 days).
It is strongly not recommended to use hydrocortisone ointment on your own or increase the course of therapy, as this can lead to serious consequences. Only a doctor can prescribe a medication or make adjustments to the treatment course.
Instructions for use
As noted earlier, hydrocortisone ointment is a drug intended for topical use only. The product is applied under the lower eyelid with a small strip. To achieve the maximum effect, the procedure should be repeated 2-3 times a day. Depending on the severity of the course of the disease, the course of therapy can last 1-2 weeks or more.
On a note! When treating with ointment from wearing contact lenses (of course, if you use them), you must refuse. Well, if your doctor has prescribed other drugs in the form of eye drops, then at least 10 minutes should elapse between the application of the ointment and the drops.
If the use of the drug provoked a temporary decrease in visual acuity, then the vehicle should not be driven for the period of treatment. This is dangerous not only for the health and life of the driver, but also for other road users.
Video: Hydrocortisone ointment - indications, description, reviews
Possible Complications
Improper use of hydrocortisone ointment can cause the following side effects:
- disease of the sclera of the eye;
- allergic reaction;
- development of exophthalmos (displacement of the patient's eyeball);
- a decrease in the immune system, which often leads to the development of secondary infections.
With mechanical damage to the epithelium of the cornea of the eye chance of corneal perforation. Prolonged use of the ointment can lead to the development of serious ophthalmic diseases, such as cataracts or glaucoma. If we talk about an overdose of a drug, then this happens extremely rarely. But if this does happen, the patient may experience a slight increase in some side effects (usually local). As soon as treatment with hydrocortisone ointment is stopped, the negative effects of an overdose disappear on their own.
Drug analogues
There are many types of drugs that cannot be used with hydrocortisone ointment, as this can cause an increase in eye pressure. As a rule, such drugs include nitrates or antidepressants. The drug is recommended to be stored out of the reach of children, at the optimum temperature, that is, not higher than 15 ° C. After the expiration date of the drug ends (after 3 years from the date of production), it must be disposed of.
In the instructions for use of hydrocortisone ointment for the eyes, you can also familiarize yourself with the composition of the drug
Of course hydrocortisone ointment is far from the only medical drug with similar properties. There are other analogues that are used in the treatment of the same diseases. Below are the most common ones.
Table. Overview of analogues of hydrocortisone ointment.
| Name of the drug, photo | Description |
|---|---|
| An effective drug for external use. It has anti-inflammatory properties, due to which this drug is used in the treatment of inflammation of the eyelids, provoked by prolonged work at a computer monitor or wearing contact lenses. Hyaluronic acid and hemodez act as the active component of the drug. |
| Combined drug used in ophthalmic practice. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The active component of this drug are dexamethasone and dexamethasone. As a rule, the remedy is prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases, as well as for preventive purposes. |
| Another combination drug with moisturizing properties. The drug refuses to the patient's body anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects, so it is often used to prevent the drying of the cornea of the eye, with swelling of the eyes or when unpleasant and painful sensations occur in this area. |
| As a rule, the remedy is prescribed for the treatment of corneal ulcers, keratitis, infectious forms of conjunctivitis and other ophthalmic pathologies. It is also used as a means for recovery after a surgical operation. |
| An effective medical preparation of combined action used in ophthalmic practice. The product is intended for external use only. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. The duration of the treatment course and the dosage of the drug is determined by the attending physician. |
The cost of the above drugs, as well as hydrocortisone ointment, is usually low (in the region of 100-300 rubles), which makes them affordable for a wide range of consumers. But in order not to encounter a low-quality fake, it is necessary to carefully study the original packaging in the photo above before buying this or that product. The drug is potent, so before using it, you should definitely consult a doctor. The doctor during the examination will carry out all the necessary diagnostic procedures, after which he will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
