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Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Locoid and Equivalent

Locoid Information

Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate topical) is a synthetic corticosteroid medication applied to the skin. It is primarily used to relieve the inflammatory and pruritic (itchy) manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and other types of dermatitis. Hydrocortisone butyrate is a medium-potency corticosteroid that works by decreasing the formation, release, and activity of various cells and chemicals that cause swelling, redness, and itching in the skin. By suppressing this immune and inflammatory response, Locoid helps to alleviate the discomfort and visible symptoms associated with these skin conditions, promoting healing and a return to a more normal skin appearance and sensation.

Locoid Side Effects

The most common side effects of Locoid may include mild burning, itching, irritation, or stinging at the application site. Other possible local side effects, especially with prolonged or extensive use, include dryness, redness, skin atrophy (thinning), striae (stretch marks), telangiectasias (spider veins), acneiform eruptions, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), hypopigmentation (lightening of skin color), perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth), allergic contact dermatitis, hypertrichosis (increased hair growth), and secondary infection. These local skin reactions are usually mild. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., severe rash, hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing);
• Cushing's syndrome (signs of too much corticosteroid being absorbed into the body, especially with prolonged or extensive use, including a round face, hump on the upper back, weakness, easy bruising, and changes in mood);
• Increased blood sugar levels or glucose in the urine (rare, with extensive use);
• Localized skin infections that worsen or spread (e.g., pus, fever);
• Osteoporosis or other systemic effects from significant absorption, especially in children or with very high doses over large areas;
• Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (indicated by fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or low blood pressure).

Locoid Precautions

Do not use Locoid if you are allergic to hydrocortisone butyrate, other corticosteroids, or any of its ingredients. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have any skin infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic), as corticosteroids can mask or worsen infections; Cushing's syndrome or other adrenal gland problems; diabetes; glaucoma or cataracts (especially if applying near the eyes); liver disease; or thinning of the skin (atrophy) in the area to be treated. Locoid is not for ophthalmic (eye) use and should not be used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae (armpits) unless specifically directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There are generally no significant systemic drug interactions with topical hydrocortisone butyrate when used as directed, due to minimal systemic absorption. However, always inform your doctor about all topical products you are using, especially if they are applied to the same area of skin. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Locoid. The safety of topical corticosteroids during pregnancy has not been fully established, and they should be used only if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. Avoid large amounts, prolonged use, or application over large body areas if pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Locoid. It is unknown if topical hydrocortisone butyrate passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Avoid applying the medication to areas where the infant may ingest it. The safety and effectiveness of Locoid in pediatric patients (especially infants and young children) should be carefully considered, as they may absorb larger amounts of the medication and be more susceptible to systemic side effects, including HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome. Use on children should be for the shortest duration and the least amount possible.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Locoid comes in various forms, including cream, ointment, and lotion. Wash and dry the affected area of skin before applying. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin, typically two to three times daily, as directed by your doctor. Rub it in gently and thoroughly. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated area unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor, as this can increase absorption. Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed, or on larger areas of the body than instructed. You may notice improvement within a few days to a week. Continue using the medication for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store Locoid at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Locoid?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Locoid.