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Hydrocortisone Butyrate
Hydrocortisone butyrate is licensed for the treatment of many types of skin conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. This prescription skin medicine is a type of steroid, and works by reducing inflammation and suppressing an overactive immune system. It comes in several forms, including a cream, ointment, lotion, and liquid. Potential side effects include skin dryness, itching, or burning.
Hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid®) is a prescription skin medication. It is a topical steroid that comes as a cream, ointment, lotion, and solution (liquid). Depending on the product, hydrocortisone butyrate is approved to treat a variety of different conditions, such as:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Poison ivy
- Seborrhea.
(Click What Is Hydrocortisone Butyrate Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, hydrocortisone butyrate may cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of hydrocortisone butyrate include but are not limited to:
- Skin irritation
- Spider veins
- Itching
- Dryness
- Burning.
(Click Hydrocortisone Butyrate Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD