Tuesday 11 September 2012

Scalpicin Gel


Pronunciation: hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone
Generic Name: Hydrocortisone
Brand Name: Examples include Instacort and Scalpicin


Scalpicin Gel is used for:

Reducing itching, redness, and swelling associated with many skin conditions.


Scalpicin Gel is a topical corticosteroid. It works by depressing the formation, release, and activity of different cells and chemicals that cause swelling, redness, and itching.


Scalpicin Gel is a topical corticosteroid. The exact mechanism of action is not known.


Do NOT use Scalpicin Gel if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Scalpicin Gel

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Scalpicin Gel:


Some medical conditions may interact with Scalpicin Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a skin infection, measles, thinning of the skin, tuberculosis (TB), chicken pox, shingles, a positive TB skin test, or have recently had a vaccination

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Scalpicin Gel. Because little, if any, of Scalpicin Gel is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.


Ask your health care provider if Scalpicin Gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Scalpicin Gel:


Use Scalpicin Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area. Gently rub it in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after applying Scalpicin Gel, unless your hands are part of the treated area.

  • Do not bandage or wrap the affected area unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

  • If you miss a dose of Scalpicin Gel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Scalpicin Gel.



Important safety information:


  • Do not use Scalpicin Gel for other skin conditions at a later time.

  • If you are using Scalpicin Gel for a rectal condition, do not put Scalpicin Gel in the rectum using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator.

  • Scalpicin Gel is for external use only. Do not get Scalpicin Gel in your eyes. If you get Scalpicin Gel in your eyes, immediately flush them with cool tap water.

  • If Scalpicin Gel was prescribed to treat the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

  • Check with your doctor before having vaccinations while you are using Scalpicin Gel.

  • Do not use Scalpicin Gel for external vaginal itching if vaginal discharge is present.

  • Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Scalpicin Gel, especially if the child is using a large amount of it or using it for a long period of time.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Scalpicin Gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Scalpicin Gel is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Scalpicin Gel, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Scalpicin Gel:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Mild, temporary stinging; skin irritation or dryness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); infection; itching, burning, pain, redness, or swelling of the skin not present before using Scalpicin Gel; skin thinning and discoloration.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Scalpicin side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Scalpicin Gel may be harmful if swallowed.


Proper storage of Scalpicin Gel:

Store Scalpicin Gel at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Scalpicin Gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Scalpicin Gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Scalpicin Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Scalpicin Gel. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Scalpicin resources


  • Scalpicin Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Scalpicin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Scalpicin Drug Interactions
  • Scalpicin Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Scalpicin - Add your own review/rating


Compare Scalpicin with other medications


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  • Dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Gingivitis
  • Proctitis
  • Pruritus
  • Psoriasis
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis
  • Skin Rash
  • Ulcerative Colitis, Active

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