Topical Hydrocortisone and
Lidocaine Treatment Guide
[Hydrocortisone 1.25% / Lidocaine 4% ointment]
Instructions
This medication is Hydrocortisone and Lidocaine cream which you are to apply a thin layer topically to the external tissues three times daily. Do not exceed more than 14 days of use and apply this medication on the external skin of the labia majora only. This medication includes a corticosteroid and lidocaine that will help to alleviate vaginal itching, redness, swelling, and irritation caused by bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast.
This medication has a boxed warning of life-threatening and fatal events in infants and young children. Postmarking cases of seizures, cardiopulmonary arrest, and death in patients under the age of 3 years have been reported with use of lidocaine 2%. Store this prescription safely out of reach of children.
Allergies
This medicine, like all medications, may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to similar medicines or components. If you are allergic to any of the following please do not take the medicine and call or message us or see your doctor in person.
- Hydrocortisone
- Lidocaine
- Hypersensitivity to another local anesthetic
Conditions
We have evaluated your health history and the specific health information you provided us, however if anything changes and you develop one of these conditions, please stop taking this medicine and call or message us immediately.
- Adrenal suppression
- Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This combination medication is not recommended for pregnancy.
Topical hydrocortisone has not been studied during breastfeeding. It is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids will pose a risk to the breastfed infant. Ensure the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with areas of the skin that have been treated.
Topical lidocaine is not expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Medicines, Supplements, and Foods
We have evaluated the specific health information you provided us, however if you are taking any of the medicines, foods, or supplements not listed on your chart call or message us before you take the medicine. Some medications and supplements can cause dangerous interactions with the medicine we are prescribing you and we will help you evaluate that risk and decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Please ensure your chart is up to date with your current medications, allergies, and medical conditions so your provider can safely treat you.
Emergency Side Effects
This medicine can cause dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects. If any of the emergency side effects listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet or those below happen to you please stop taking the medicine and call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person.
- Sudden onset of chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Severe skin rash and/or itching
- Facial or throat swelling
- Blurred vision
- Severe bloody diarrhea
Other Side Effects
This medicine can also cause other side effects including (this list is not all inclusive):
- Acneiform eruption
- Atrophic striae
- Localized burning sensation, irritation, swelling, or redness of the skin
- Folliculitis
- Hypertrichosis
- Hypopigmentation
- Maceration of the skin
- Miliaria
- Perioral dermatitis
- Purpuric or petechial reaction
Risks
Accurate Information
We have evaluated your health history and your specific health information you provided and determined it is safe to proceed with this treatment at this time. If your health history changes including diagnoses or medications please message or call us before you take the medicine to ensure it's safe to proceed. Some medications and conditions can cause dangerous interactions with the medicine we are prescribing and we will help you evaluate that risk and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Failure
This treatment is not guaranteed to be effective. It may not work or may only partially resolve the condition for which you are seeking treatment. If the treatment is not working, or if you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, give us a call or message us anytime. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person. You may need to seek alternative treatment such as those listed below or in the follow up plan.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Through telehealth, there is also a risk that we misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment. This risk exists with a doctor in person as well but they may have additional resources to aid their evaluation. We use evidence-based practice and guidelines as well as clinical decision-making to minimize these risks.
Accepting or Declining Our Recommendation
We have based our recommendation on your specific case and medical guidelines, but there may be alternative treatments or strategies that may be helpful to you. Some may be more or less effective than what we provide. Some treatments may require an in-person exam or procedure which we can’t provide. Message us or talk to your doctor in person to discuss alternative treatments.
Share with Your In-Person Healthcare Team
You can access your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person doctor, pharmacist, and the rest of your healthcare team to let them know about any new medicines you are taking or other changes in your health.
You can also ask us questions anytime and we are happy to help you share any information about your health with your in-person healthcare team.