Unicort N

Uses

Allergic skin conditions, Anal or vulvar pruritus, Anal pruritus, Burns, Eczema, Infected wounds & ulcers, Pain and itching caused by sunburn, Pruritic skin conditions, Pruritus, Pruritus and eczema, Pyogenic & seborrhoeic dermatitis, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Ulcers, Vaginal or rectal irritation, Wounds

Unicort N 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 Unicort N 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

Unicort N dosage

Adult: Apply cream/ ointment/ lotion onto affected area as directed.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, hypopigmentaion, skin atrophy, striae.

Toxicity

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

Precaution

CHR hypertension, DM, epilepsy, elderly, patients on prolonged therapy. Gradual withdrawal, pregnancy and lactation.

Interaction

Hydrocortisone: Thiazides may enhance hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia caused by corticosteroids. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or Gl bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum cone of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents. Ethanol may enhance gastric mucosal irritation. Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Mutual inhibition of metabolism between ciclosporin and corticosteroids increase plasma cone of both drugs. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

Neomycin: Additive nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effect with other aminoglycosides (e.g. paromomycin), bacitracin, cisplatin, vancomycin, amphotericin B, polymyxin B, colistin and viomycin. Enhanced toxicity with potent diuretics (e.g. ethacrynic acid, furosemide). May impair the absorption of other drugs (e.g. phenoxymethylpenicillin, digoxin, methotrexate and some vit). May reduce the efficacy of OCs. May enhance the effect of acarbose. May enhance the effect of non-depolarising muscle relaxants. May antagonise the parasympathomimetic effect of neostigmine and pyridostigmine. May increase the risk of hypocalcaemia in patients receiving bisphosphonates. May alter INR when given with anticoagulants. May inactivate oral typhoid vaccine.

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

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

Contraindication

Viral/ fungal infections, tubercular or syphilitic lesions, bacterial infections unless used in conjunction with appropriate chemotherapy.

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, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Unicort N