Groups of corticosteroid have many different dosage forms such as oral, intravenous or topical. In case of patients infected with inflammatory skin diseases are often prescribed topical corticosteroids, typically Locoid with active ingredient hydrocortisone. So what are the effects of Locoid?
1. What are the effects of Locoid ?
What is the effect of Locoid? Locoid is used to treat a variety of diseases or skin conditions such eczema, dermatitis, skin allergies or skin rash. Hydrocortisone butyrate is the active ingredient in Locoid that has effects of reducing swelling, itching and redness... caused by dermatological diseases. In addition, Locoid can be used topically to treat severe dandruff conditions (due to seborrheic dermatitis). Locoid is a medium-strength corticosteroid.
2. How to use Locoid Cream
Locoid is a cream used just on the skin only. However, do not apply the drug on the skin of face, groin or armpits unless directed by the doctor. Steps for using Locoid:
- First, the patient do wash and dry their hands before use;
- Clean and dry the affected skin area;
- Apply a thin layer of Locoid to affected skin areas and gently rub;
- Apply Locoid 2-3 times daily or apply it as directed by the doctor. Do not bandage, cover or wrap the area unless directed by the doctor;
- In case of using Locoid on the newborn’s diaper area, parents should not use diapers or tight pants.
Some caution when using Locoid:
- After applying Locoid, wash your hands thoroughly unless you are using the drug for treat treatment of hand skin;
- When applying Locoid near the eyes, patients should avoid exposing the medicine to the eyes because it can worsen or cause intraocular pressure;
- Avoid getting Locoid in nose or mouth areas. If accidentally get Locoid in these areas, necessarily wash with plenty of water
Patients should use Locoid on the skin only for which it was prescribed and should not use the medication for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if your skin condition lasts or worsens after 2 weeks of treatment with Locoid.
3. Side effects of Locoid
The skin region where taken Locoid may occur stinging, burning, itching, irritation, dryness or redness when first applied to the skin. These effects will go away as the patient's body adjusts to the medication. If any of these signs last or worsen, the patient should tell the doctor or pharmacist immediately. Some unwanted and serious side effects of Locoid may occur:
- Stretch marks;
- Thin or dark skin;
- Ance;
- Unwanted excessive hair growth;
- Folliculitis.
Skin infections may become worse when patients use Locoid, so you need to tell your doctor immediately if your skin rash, swelling or irritation on the skin does not improve.
In a few cases, Locoid may be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream, which may lead to side effects due to an overdose of corticosteroids. These side effects are more likely to occur in children and in people who use Locoid for a long time or over large areas of skin. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects of Locoid occur:
- Unusual tiredness;
- Weight loss;
- Headache;
- Swelling ankles/feet;
- Increased thirst;
- Increased urination
- Vision problems;
A very serious allergic reaction to Locoid is rare, patients need to seek medical attention immediately if they notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Locoid, including: skin rash, itching, facial swelling, dizziness or shortness of breathing.
4. Some caution when using Locoid
Before using Locoid, the doctor needs to make sure that you are not allergic to hydrocortisone butyrate, other corticosteroids such as prednisone, triamcinolone or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Locoid for treatment, the patients should talk to the doctor or pharmacist about their medical history, especially:
- Poor blood circulation;
- Diabetes;
- Immune system diseases.
Do not use Locoid on infected or pain skin areas which need to be treated. If using corticosteroids for a long time or on large areas of skin, it’s difficult for the body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before surgery, emergency treatment or if you have a serious disease/injury, tell your doctor that you are using or have recently used Locoid
Although it is less likely to occur, Locoid can temporarily cause delayed growth in children if using it for a long time, so see your doctor regularly to check children's physical development. During pregnancy, Locoid should be used only when clearly needed after when discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Locoid passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications as Locoid pass into breast milk when taken by mouth, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
5. Drug interactions of Locoid
Physicians can know about drug interactions with Locoid and have a plan to manage and monitor patients for these interactions. Patients should adhere to instructions, do not use or change instructions for use of any medications, including Locoid. Before using Locoid, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking, especially: oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone), immunosuppressive drugs (such as cyclosporine).
Locoid may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdose and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call emergency medical services. Locoid has been prescribed for the patient’s current condition only and should not be used for other skin problems unless told to do so by the doctor. Laboratory tests (such as adrenal gland function test) may be done periodically to monitor your health or check for side effects of Locoid, especially if you use medication for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body.
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Reference source: webmd.com
