Hydrocortison Med Terramycin (Hydrocortisone, Oxytetracycline)

Hydrocortison Med Terramycin is indicated for topical management of skin disorders where inflammation and bacterial colonisation coexist.

• Mild to moderate dermatitis, including atopic or contact types, when secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
• Superficial bacterial skin infections such as impetigo or folliculitis.
• Eczematous lesions complicated by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species.
• Post‑traumatic or postoperative skin irritation with risk of infection.
• Chronic inflammatory skin conditions requiring combined anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial therapy.
• Acne vulgaris lesions that are inflamed and secondarily infected, where a corticosteroid‑antibiotic combination can reduce redness and bacterial load.
• Minor burns or abrasions that develop erythema and are at risk for bacterial colonisation, benefiting from anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial action.

• Hydrocortison Med Terramycin delivers two active agents to the skin surface. Hydrocortisone binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription and suppressing the release of pro‑inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins, thereby reducing edema, erythema and itching. Oxytetracycline penetrates bacterial cells and attaches to the 30S ribosomal subunit, obstructing the addition of aminoacyl‑tRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis, which limits bacterial growth and promotes clearance of susceptible organisms.

Topical application of Hydrocortison Med Terramycin may be associated with local skin reactions and, rarely, systemic effects.

Common

• Mild burning or stinging at the application site.
• Transient itching or dryness.
• Slight erythema or redness that resolves after continued use.
• Minor skin irritation or peeling.
• Dryness or flaking of the treated area.
• Mild localized swelling.

Serious

• Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction with swelling and rash.
• Secondary skin infection due to overgrowth of resistant organisms.
• Systemic corticosteroid effects such as adrenal suppression with extensive use (rare).
• Severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis – extremely rare.
• Delayed wound healing at the application site.

When using Hydrocortison Med Terramycin, certain precautions help minimize risks and ensure appropriate therapy.

• Avoid applying to large surface areas or broken skin unless directed by a healthcare professional.
• Do not use on the face, groin, or underarms unless specifically prescribed, as absorption may be higher.
• Limit duration of therapy, typically not exceeding two weeks, to reduce the risk of corticosteroid‑related skin thinning.
• Discontinue use if signs of allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or severe itching develop.
• Keep the product out of reach of children and store at room temperature away from moisture.
• Consult a physician before use during pregnancy, lactation, or in immunocompromised patients.

Hydrocortison Med Terramycin may interact with other topical or systemic agents; awareness of these interactions can prevent reduced efficacy or increased adverse effects.

Avoid

• Concurrent use with other potent topical corticosteroids on the same area, which can increase systemic absorption and skin atrophy.
• Application together with occlusive dressings that enhance drug penetration beyond intended levels.

Use with caution

• Combining with systemic antibiotics may mask signs of infection, requiring clinical monitoring.
• Use alongside other immunosuppressive medications should be done under medical supervision due to additive immunosuppression.
• Concurrent use of photosensitizing agents (e.g., retinoids) may increase risk of skin irritation.
• Applying other topical antiseptics or acne treatments may cause local irritation.