Epifoam

Uses

Hydrocortisone & Pramoxine cream is used for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. It can be used for minor skin irritations, anal itching or hemorrhoids, insect bites etc.

Epifoam is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute, Inflammatory Superficial Cutaneous Lesions caused by susceptible bacteria, Adrenal cortical hypofunctions, Anal Fissures, Anal inflammation, Androgenital syndrome, Conjunctivitis, Conjunctivitis allergic, Corneal Inflammation, Dermatitis infected, Diaper Dermatitis, Eczema infected, Episcleritis, Hemorrhoids, Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular Irritation, Postoperative pain, Proctitis, Pruritus, Pruritus Ani, Radiation Induced Proctitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleritis, Skin Infections, Skin Irritation, Superficial ocular bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria, Thyroiditis, Ulcerative Colitis, Anal eczema, Bacterial blepharitis, Corneal clouding, Corticosteroid responsive Dermatosis of the anal region, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Cryptitis, Localized uninfected hemorrhoids, Mild Anal Fissures, Pruritus associated with bowel movements, Skin and skin-structure infections caused by susceptible bacteria, Postoperative Eye Care

How Epifoam works

Hydrocortisone binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing the increase in expression of specific target genes. The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Specifically glucocorticoids induce lipocortin-1 (annexin-1) synthesis, which then binds to cell membranes preventing the phospholipase A2 from coming into contact with its substrate arachidonic acid. This leads to diminished eicosanoid production. The cyclooxygenase (both COX-1 and COX-2) expression is also suppressed, potentiating the effect. In other words, the two main products in inflammation Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes are inhibited by the action of Glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids also stimulate the lipocortin-1 escaping to the extracellular space, where it binds to the leukocyte membrane receptors and inhibits various inflammatory events: epithelial adhesion, emigration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, respiratory burst and the release of various inflammatory mediators (lysosomal enzymes, cytokines, tissue plasminogen activator, chemokines etc.) from neutrophils, macrophages and mastocytes. Additionally the immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding.

Dosage

Epifoam dosage

This should be generally applied to the affected area as a thin film for three to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions. If an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued.

Side Effects

No serious systemic side effects are expected from the use of hydrocortisone and Pramoxine topical unless a large amount of the medication is used for a long period of time. If the drug is being absorbed into the system, you may experience blurred vision, halos around lights, an irregular heartbeat, insomnia, mood changes, weight gain, or fatigue. Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. These are redness, burning, itching, or irritation at the application site.

Toxicity

Side effects include inhibition of bone formation, suppression of calcium absorption and delayed wound healing

Precaution

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings.

Interaction

Do not use other topical medications on the affected area during treatment with hydrocortisone and Pramoxine topical without first talking to the doctor.

Elimination Route

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption.

Half Life

6-8 hours

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable amounts in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.

Contraindication

Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

Acute Overdose

Acute overdosage is very unlikely to occur, however, in the case of chronic overdosage or misuse, the features of hypercorticism may appear and in this situation topical steroids should be discontinued

Storage Condition

Store in a cool and dry place protected from light.

Innovators Monograph

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