HYDROCORTISONE VALERATE

Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment USP, 0.2% contains hydrocortisone valerate, USP, pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11,21-dihydroxy-17-[(1-oxopentyl)oxy]-, (11β)-;cortisol 17-valerate or 11β,17,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione 17-valerate, a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Chemically, hydrocortisone valerate, USP is C 26 H 38 O 6 . It has the following structural formula: Hydrocortisone valerate, USP has a molecular weight of 446.58. It is a white or almost white crystalline powder, freely soluble in acetone and dichloromethane; soluble in alcohol; insoluble in water. Each gram of Hydrocortisone Valerate Ointment, USP, 0.2% contains 2 mg hydrocortisone valerate, USP in a hydrophilic base composed of citric acid monohydrate, methyl paraben, mineral oil, polyoxyl stearyl ether, propylene glycol, sepineo P 600, steareth 100, stearyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, white petrolatum and purified water. structure

Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, 0.2% is a medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses in adult patients.

Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, 0.2% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two or three times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary. Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, 0.2% should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, 0.2% should not be applied in the diaper area if the patient requires diapers or plastic pants as these garments may constitute occlusive dressing.

Hydrocortisone valerate ointment, 0.2% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of hydrocortisone valerate ointment, 0.2% was approximately 12%. These included worsening of condition (2%), transient itching (2%), irritation (1%) and redness (1%). In controlled clinical studies involving pediatric atopic dermatitis patients 2 through 12 years of age (n=64), the incidence of adverse experiences was approximately 28.1%, which is higher than that seen in adult patients. Reported reactions included eczema (12.5%), pruritis (6%), stinging (2%), and dry skin (2%). Patients were not specifically evaluated for signs of atrophy (thinning, telangiectasia, erythema). No studies were performed to assess adrenal suppression and/or growth suppression. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria