aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol (topical)

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Pronunciation: AL oe pol ee SAK a rides, HYE droe KOR ti sone, eye OH doe KWIN ol (TOP i kal)

Brand: Alcortin A

What is the most important information I should know about this medication?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, aloe vera, iodoquinol, glycine, histidine, lysine, or palmitic acid.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, tuberculosis, glaucoma, cataracts, or if you use any drugs that weaken the immune system (including other steroids).

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Call your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days, or if your condition clears up and then comes back.

Do not use aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical for any condition that has not been checked by a doctor.

What is this medication?

Aloe polysaccharides comes from the aloe vera plant and is used for skin-wound healing.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Iodoquinol is an antibiotic and antifungal medication that fights infection caused by bacteria or fungus.

The combination of aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical (for the skin) is used to treat itching, inflammation, and irritation of the skin related to a number of conditions, such as impetigo, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, infected hair follicles, scalp infections, or athlete's foot. This medication is also used on the outside of the genital or rectal area to treat irritation and inflammation caused by jock itch, vaginal yeast infection, and anal infection.

Aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using this medication?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, aloe vera, iodoquinol, glycine, histidine, lysine, or palmitic acid.

To make sure you can safely use aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

  • diabetes;
  • Cushing's syndrome (an endocrine disorder);
  • tuberculosis;
  • glaucoma, cataracts, or problems with your eyes; or
  • if you use any drugs that weaken the immune system, including other steroids.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use this medication?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical is usually applied 3 or 4 times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using this medication to treat a hand condition.

Before you apply this medication to the genital or rectal areas, clean the area with mild soap and pat dry.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with topical hydrocortisone can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid getting the medication on your hair or clothing. Aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical may stain these surfaces.

Iodoquinol absorbed through the skin can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 1 month before you have a thyroid function test.

Call your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days, or if your condition clears up and then comes back.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of hydrocortisone applied to the skin is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Do not use aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol for any condition that has not been checked by a doctor.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid getting this medication in your nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid getting the medication on your hair or clothing. Aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical may stain these surfaces.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using the medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • severe pain, burning, or irritation of treated skin;
  • blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
  • weight gain, puffiness in your face;
  • itching, oozing, or other signs of a new infection; or
  • any new redness or swelling where the medicine was applied.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild burning, itching, dryness, or irritation of the skin;
  • redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
  • acne, increased facial or body hair growth;
  • changes in the color of treated skin; or
  • stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied aloe polysaccharides, hydrocortisone, and iodoquinol topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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