0

Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Ala-Cort and Equivalent

Ala-Cort Information

Ala-Cort (Hydrocortisone) is used to help relieve the swelling, redness, and itchiness of certain skin problems (such as insect bites, poison oak, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching) for up to 4 weeks. Ala-Cort contains hydrocortisone which belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. Ala-Cort is available as 2%/150 ml and 2.5%/150 ml lotion also called the Pharmacy Compound made in our pharmacy here in Canada.

Ala-Cort Side Effects

The most common side effects of Ala-Cort may include local hypersensitivity; dermatitis (a type of eczema); redness; itching; skin burning and pain; skin dryness or flaking; skin thinning or discoloration; stretch marks; increased body hair; the appearance of blood vessels under the surface of your skin; worsening of condition; secondary infection. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the skin;
• Cushing's syndrome: weight gain, moon face / rounding of the face and obesity.

Ala-Cort Precautions

Do not use Ala-Cort if you are allergic to Hydrocortisone or to any other ingredients in this medication; have bacterial, tubercular, fungal, parasitic, viral skin infections; tuberculosis or syphilis skin lesions, or a skin reaction following a recent vaccination; have acne, rosacea or itchy skin. Do not apply in or near the eye. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; are breastfeeding; have other inflammatory skin diseases; have kidney or liver problems. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Ala-Cort and other medications. Only use Ala-Cort for as long as your doctor recommends. If you are over 65 years of age, use Ala-Cort with caution. Children absorb larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and therefore, may be more likely to develop side effects. If you have any skin disease around a leg ulcer, there may be a risk of an allergic reaction or an infection around the ulcer. Ala-Cort should be used with caution on the face, or in skin fold areas, such as the groin or the armpit.

Do I need a prescription to order Ala-Cort?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Ala-Cort.