Hydrocortisone, Topical

The Basics

What is Hydrocortisone, Topical?

Hydrocortisone topical is used to treat redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions.

Brand names for Hydrocortisone, Topical

N/A

How Hydrocortisone, Topical is classified

Corticosteroids – Topical, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Hydrocortisone, Topical During Pregnancy

Hydrocortisone, Topical pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Hydrocortisone, Topical while pregnant

N/A

Taking Hydrocortisone, Topical While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Hydrocortisone, Topical?

Topical hydrocortisone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical hydrocortisone would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area. Maternal use rectally with a cream or by suppository poses very little risk to the breastfed infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Topical hydrocortisone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical hydrocortisone would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area. Maternal use rectally with a cream or by suppository poses very little risk to the breastfed infant.

Possible effects of Hydrocortisone, Topical on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Hydrocortisone, Topical

None listed