Keralin Skin Ointment

Side Effects of Keralin Skin Ointment

Sodium and fluid retention. Potassium and calcium depletion. Muscle wasting, weakness, osteoporosis. GI disturbances and bleeding. Increased appetite and delayed wound healing. Bruising, striae, hirsutism, acne, flushing. Raised intracranial pressure, headache, depression, psychosis, menstrual irregularities. Hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, DM, obesity, moon-face, buffalo hump. Suppression of pituitary-adrenocortical system. Growth retardation in childn (prolonged therapy). Increased susceptibility for infection. Topical use: Dermal atrophy, local irritation, folliculitis, hypertrichosis. Inhaled corticosteroids: May cause hoarseness, candidiasis of mouth and throat. Topical application to the eye: Can produce corneal ulcers, raised IOP and reduced visual function. Intralesional injection: Local hypopigmentation of deeply pigmented skin. Intra-articular injection: Joint damage, fibrosis esp in load bearing joints. Potentially Fatal: Abrupt withdrawal leading to acute adrenal insufficiency. Rapid IV Inj may cause CV collapse.

Drug Interactions

Thiazides may enhance hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia caused by corticosteroids. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum conc of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents. Ethanol may enhance gastric mucosal irritation. Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Mutual inhibition of metabolism between ciclosporin and corticosteroids increase plasma conc of both drugs. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

Contraindications

Viral/fungal infections, tubercular or syphilitic lesions, bacterial infections unless used in conjunction with appropriate chemotherapy.

Mechanism of Action

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Its anti-inflammatory action is due to the suppression of migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability. It may also be used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency. Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract (oral); sodium phosphate and sodium succinate esters are rapidly absorbed but the free alcohol and its lipid soluble ester are slowly absorbed (IM); Acetate is slowly absorbed (intra-articular inj); absorbed from the skin (denuded areas). Distribution: Crosses the placenta. Protein-binding: >90%. Metabolism: Hepatic (metabolised to hydrogenated and degraded forms). Excretion: Via urine (as conjugates and glucuronide, with small portion as unchanged drug).

Special Precautions

CHF, hypertension, DM, epilepsy, elderly, patients on prolonged therapy. Gradual withdrawal, pregnancy and lactation.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

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