Cortomycetinum ointment

Pharmaceutical name: Hydrocortisone / Chloramphenicol

Hydrocortisone is the same as the natural corticosteroid, cortisol, and is used to decrease inflammation in the skin. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the skin cells. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of allergy or irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.
Chloramphenicol is a powerful antibiotic with the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria. It interferes with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to multiply and divide. This inhibits the ability of the bacteria to grow (bacteriostatic) and therefore stops the spread of the infection.

Indications:
Cortomycetinum is used to treat:
• Area of thickened itchy skin caused by rubbing and scratching (lichen simplex)
• Eczema
• Inflammation of the skin
• Skin inflammation due to allergies or irritants (allergic or irritant dermatitis)
• Pyodermatosis
• Streptococcal impetigo

Contraindications and cautions:
Do not use if you have an allergy to:
• any medicine containing Hydrocortisone Chloramphenicole
• any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet (see Product description).
• any other similar medicine, that is, topical corticosteroids ,antibiotics
You should not use medication in:
• Acne rosacea
• Acne vulgaris
• Children under the age of ten years, except on medical advice
• Infections of the skin with viruses (eg Herpes simplex, chickenpox), fungi (eg thrush, ringworm, athlete is foot) or bacteria (eg impetigo)
• Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time.

Consult your doctor for further information. This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Warning!
• Avoid prolonged use on infants and children.
• Avoid prolonged use on the face.
• If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin.

You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.
• This preparation is for external use only.
• This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).
• Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.
• Consult your doctor if there is no improvement in your skin after seven days, or if your skin becomes infected during treatment.

Side effects:
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
• Thinning of the skin
• Changes in skin pigmentation
• allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis)
• Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug is manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions:
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.