Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Dermatitis
Skin infection - minor

Contraindications

Children under 12 years
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy

Precautions and Warnings

Exclude primary bacterial infection before treatment
Avoid contact with eyes
Occlusive dressings can increase the likelihood of systemic absorption
Prolonged use over a large area may cause systemic absorption
Monitor for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms
Extended or recurrent use may increase the risk of contact sensitisation
Discontinue if local irritation occurs
Discontinue if no improvement occurs within 7 days
Discontinue if overgrowth of resistant organisms occurs
Advise patient residue on clothing/bedding may cause fire hazard
Fire hazard: Keep away from naked flames and potential sources of ignition

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Use is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Manufacturers advises there is a risk of damage to the permanent dentition if used during pregnancy.

The use of all medication in pregnancy should be avoided whenever possible; particularly in the first trimester. Non-drug treatments should also be considered. When essential, a medication with the best safety record over time should be chosen, employing the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Polypharmacy should be avoided. Teratogens taken in the pre-embryonic period, often quoted as lasting until 14 to 17 days post-conception, are believed to have an all-or-nothing effect. Where drugs have a short half-life, and when the date of conception is certain, this may allow women to be reassured where drug exposure has occurred within this time frame. Further advice may be available from the UK National Teratology Information Service (NTIS) and through ToxBase, available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).

Lactation

Use is contraindicated in Breastfeeding.

Manufacturers advises there is a risk of damage to the permanent dentition if used during breastfeeding.

Neonates, infants born prematurely, those with low birth weight, those with an unstable gastrointestinal function or who have serious illnesses may require special consideration. For any infant, if a drug is prescribed to the nursing mother, it should be at the lowest practical dose and for the shortest time. When drug administration is unavoidable and breastfeeding is to continue, minimisation of exposure of the infant to the drug may sometimes be achieved by timing the maternal doses to just after a feeding episode. Infants exposed to drugs via breast milk should be monitored for unusual signs or symptoms. Interactions between the drug received by the infant from the mother's milk and medication prescribed for the infant should also be considered, for example, when the drug given to the infant may prevent metabolism of the drug received via breast milk.
Specialist advice is available from the UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service at https://www.midlandsmedicines.nhs.uk/content.asp?section=6&subsection=17&pageIdx=1

Side Effects

Acne-like eruptions
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic reaction
Burning sensation
Contact dermatitis
Contact sensitisation
Dry skin
Folliculitis
Hypertrichosis
Hypopigmentation
Irritation (localised)
Itching
Maceration of skin
Miliaria
Perioral dermatitis
Secondary infections
Skin atrophy
Striae

Presentation

Ointment containing oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone.

Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Dermatitis
Skin infection - minor

Dosage

Adults

Contraindications

Children under 12 years
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy

Precautions and Warnings

Exclude primary bacterial infection before treatment
Avoid contact with eyes
Occlusive dressings can increase the likelihood of systemic absorption
Prolonged use over a large area may cause systemic absorption
Monitor for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms
Extended or recurrent use may increase the risk of contact sensitisation
Discontinue if local irritation occurs
Discontinue if no improvement occurs within 7 days
Discontinue if overgrowth of resistant organisms occurs
Advise patient residue on clothing/bedding may cause fire hazard
Fire hazard: Keep away from naked flames and potential sources of ignition

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Use is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Manufacturers advises there is a risk of damage to the permanent dentition if used during pregnancy.

The use of all medication in pregnancy should be avoided whenever possible; particularly in the first trimester. Non-drug treatments should also be considered. When essential, a medication with the best safety record over time should be chosen, employing the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Polypharmacy should be avoided. Teratogens taken in the pre-embryonic period, often quoted as lasting until 14 to 17 days post-conception, are believed to have an all-or-nothing effect. Where drugs have a short half-life, and when the date of conception is certain, this may allow women to be reassured where drug exposure has occurred within this time frame. Further advice may be available from the UK National Teratology Information Service (NTIS) and through ToxBase, available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).

Lactation

Use is contraindicated in Breastfeeding.

Manufacturers advises there is a risk of damage to the permanent dentition if used during breastfeeding.

Neonates, infants born prematurely, those with low birth weight, those with an unstable gastrointestinal function or who have serious illnesses may require special consideration. For any infant, if a drug is prescribed to the nursing mother, it should be at the lowest practical dose and for the shortest time. When drug administration is unavoidable and breastfeeding is to continue, minimisation of exposure of the infant to the drug may sometimes be achieved by timing the maternal doses to just after a feeding episode. Infants exposed to drugs via breast milk should be monitored for unusual signs or symptoms. Interactions between the drug received by the infant from the mother's milk and medication prescribed for the infant should also be considered, for example, when the drug given to the infant may prevent metabolism of the drug received via breast milk.
Specialist advice is available from the UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service at https://www.midlandsmedicines.nhs.uk/content.asp?section=6&subsection=17&pageIdx=1

Side Effects

Acne-like eruptions
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic reaction
Burning sensation
Contact dermatitis
Contact sensitisation
Dry skin
Folliculitis
Hypertrichosis
Hypopigmentation
Irritation (localised)
Itching
Maceration of skin
Miliaria
Perioral dermatitis
Secondary infections
Skin atrophy
Striae

Overdosage

It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.

The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111

Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).

Further Information

Last Full Review Date: October 2015

Reference Sources

Summary of Product Characteristics: Terra-cortril ointment. Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Revised December 2014.

NICE Evidence Services Available at: www.nice.org.uk Last accessed: 06 Septebember 2017