CROMITON HC CREAM

Indications

• Pruritus associated with scabies
• Pruritus due to sunburn
• General pruritus

Dosage

Children: For children aged 1 month to 2 years, apply as directed by a doctor; for children aged 3 to 17 years, apply 2-3 times a day.

Adults: Apply 2-3 times a day to the affected area.

Mechanism of action

Crotamiton is toxic to the scabies mite and relieves itching by producing a counter-irritation effect. As it evaporates from the skin, it creates a cooling sensation, which diverts attention from the itching. The exact mechanism by which crotamiton kills scabies is not fully understood.

Pharmacodynamics

Crotamiton is effective in alleviating pruritus, particularly in cases related to scabies or sunburn. Its cooling effect is beneficial in managing itching, as it distracts from the discomfort. This drug's antiparasitic properties help eliminate scabies mites, although the specific pathway involved remains unclear.

Pharmacokinetics

Crotamiton is applied topically, allowing for localized effects with minimal systemic absorption. The drug's pharmacokinetic profile involves rapid evaporation from the skin surface, which contributes to its cooling effect and antipruritic action. There is limited information available on its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the human body.

Contra-indications

• Hypersensitivity to crotamiton or any excipients
• Acute exudative dermatoses
• Obstructive jaundice
• Endocrine disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Iron deficiency
• Certain malignant diseases
• Use on broken skin
• Use near mucosal surfaces

Adverse effects

• Local irritation
• Erythema
• Burning sensation
• Allergic reactions
• Drowsiness (when used for longer than recommended)

Precautions

• Avoid use on very inflamed skin
• Avoid excessive application
• Use on doctor’s advice for children under 3 years
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes

Pregnancy

Manufacturer advises to avoid, especially during the first trimester; no information available.

Breast-feeding

No information available; avoid application to nipple area.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct light.

Formulations

• Cream

Indications

• Adrenocortical insufficiency
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Severe acute asthma
• Acute hypersensitivity reactions
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency

Dosage

Children: For children aged 1-5 months: Initially 25 mg 3 times a day, adjusted according to response. For children aged 6 months-5 years: Initially 50 mg 3 times a day, adjusted according to response. For children aged 6-11 years: Initially 100 mg 3 times a day, adjusted

Adults: 100-500 mg 3-4 times a day or when required. For replacement in adrenocortical insufficiency, 20-30 mg once daily, adjusted according to response.

Mechanism of action

Hydrocortisone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor, leading to decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, inhibition of leukocyte migration to inflammation sites, and changes in gene expression that promote anti-inflammatory pathways. It inhibits phospholipase A2, NF-kappa B, and other inflammatory transcription factors, stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes and reducing the release of destructive enzymes. High doses can raise sodium levels and decrease potassium levels through mineralocorticoid receptor activity.

Pharmacodynamics

Hydrocortisone's pharmacodynamic profile includes the inhibition of various inflammatory mediators and the promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Its effects are dose-dependent, with lower doses providing anti-inflammatory benefits, while higher doses exhibit immunosuppressive effects. It has a wide therapeutic index and moderate duration of action.

Pharmacokinetics

Hydrocortisone is metabolized primarily in the liver, with its effects lasting for several hours to days. The onset of action varies with the route of administration, being more rapid when given intravenously. Its half-life is influenced by factors such as dose and administration route, and it is excreted through urine as metabolites.

Contra-indications

• Systemic fungal infections
• Hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone or any excipients

Adverse effects

• Increased risk of infections
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypertension
• Fluid retention and edema
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Mood changes
• Osteoporosis
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Cushing's syndrome with long-term use

Interactions

• Mitotane: Moderate decrease in hydrocortisone exposure
• Rifampicin: Moderate decrease in hydrocortisone exposure
• Cobicistat: Unknown effect, potential increase in hydrocortisone exposure
• Idelalisib: Unknown effect, potential increase in hydrocortisone exposure
• Clarithromycin: Unknown effect, potential increase in hydrocortisone exposure

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with diabetes
• Monitor for signs of infection during therapy
• Consider dose adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment
• Gradual withdrawal is recommended to avoid adrenal insufficiency after prolonged therapy

Pregnancy

Hydrocortisone is categorized as category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Hydrocortisone is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Protect from light.

Formulations

• Injectable form (sodium succinate)
• Modified-release tablets
• Immediate-release tablets

Mechanism of action

Crotamiton is an antiparasitic that is toxic to the scabies mite. Crotamiton also relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching.

Pharmacodynamics

Crotamiton is usually used to treat pruritis (itching of the skin) caused by scabies or sunburn. Crotamiton relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching. Due to this cooling effect it is also effective for the relief of sunburn. The drug is also believed to kill scabies through an unknown mechanism.

Mechanism of action

The short-term effects of corticosteroids are decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as decreased leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. Corticosteroids binding to the glucocorticoid receptor mediates changes in gene expression that lead to multiple downstream effects over hours to days. Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination; they inhibit phospholipase A2, which decreases the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives; they inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors; they promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10. Lower doses of corticosteroids provide an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses are immunosuppressive. High doses of glucocorticoids for an extended period bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, raising sodium levels and decreasing potassium levels. Following topical application, corticosteroids produce anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictor actions. The activity of the drugs is thought to result at least in part from binding with a steroid receptor. Corticosteroids decrease inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes; inhibiting macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas; reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium; reducing capillary wall permeability and edema formation; decreasing complement components; antagonizing histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates; reducing fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation; and possibly by other mechanisms as yet unknown. Corticosteroids, especially the fluorinated corticosteroids, have antimitotic activity on cutaneous fibroblasts and the epidermis. /Corticosteroids/ Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and mononuclear cells (MNC) is inhibited following the intravenous administration of hydrocortisone. This is associated with a parallel decrease in intranuclear NFkappaB, known to modulate inflammatory responses including ROS generation. Plasma levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokine produced by TH2 cells, are also increased after hydrocortisone administration. In this study, we have investigated the effect of hydrocortisone on p47(phox) subunit, a key component of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, in MNC and the pharmacodynamics of this effect with ROS generation and plasma IL-10 levels /were investigated/. p47(phox) subunit protein levels in MNC showed a progressive decrease after hydrocortisone administration. It reached a nadir at 4 hours and increased thereafter to a baseline level at 24 hours. ROS generation also decreased, reached a nadir between 2 and 4 hours, and returned to a baseline level at 24 hours. IL-10 concentrations increased, peaked at 4 hours, and reverted to the baseline levels at 24 hours. In conclusion, p47(phox) subunit suppression may contribute to the inhibition of ROS generation in MNC after hydrocortisone administration. This suppression occurs in parallel with the suppression of NFkappaB and an increase in IL-10 plasma levels. Therefore, it would appear that the decrease in intranuclear NFkappaB and an increase in IL-10 may cause the inhibitory modulation on p47(phox) subunit and ROS generation by MNC following hydrocortisone and other glucocorticoids.

Pharmacodynamics

Hydrocortisone binds to the glucocorticoid receptor leading to downstream effects such as inhibition of phospholipase A2, NF-kappa B, other inflammatory transcription factors, and the promotion of anti-inflammatory genes. Hydrocortisone has a wide therapeutic index and a moderate duration of action. Patients should stop taking the medication if irritation or sensitization occurs.