\n| Liquid Paraffin<\/td>\n | q.s.<\/td>\n | Viscosity modifier \u2014 improves spreadability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Note:<\/strong> The formulation is preservative-free in the ointment base, which reduces the risk of preservative-related irritation common with eye drop preparations.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Ingredient-by-Ingredient Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n| Ingredient<\/th>\n | Concentration<\/th>\n | Role \/ Mechanism<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\nHydrocortisone Acetate<\/strong><\/td>\n| 25 mg\/g (2.5%)<\/td>\n | Stabilizes leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases. Inhibits phospholipase A2 \u2192 reduces prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis \u2192 decreases swelling, redness, itching, and pain. Low-potency steroid with favorable ocular safety profile.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nWhite Petrolatum<\/strong><\/td>\n| Vehicle base<\/td>\n | Occlusive, inert ointment base. Provides a protective layer over the eye surface, extending drug contact time and offering additional lubrication for dry eyes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \nLiquid Paraffin<\/strong><\/td>\n| Vehicle component<\/td>\n | Adjusts ointment viscosity for easier application. Helps the ointment spread evenly across the conjunctival sac.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n How Does It Work?<\/h2>\nHydrocortisone acetate is a glucocorticoid that works at the cellular level to suppress inflammation. When applied to the eye:<\/p>\n \n- Membrane Stabilization:<\/strong> It stabilizes the membranes of leukocyte lysosomes, preventing the release of destructive enzymes (acid hydrolases) that would otherwise damage surrounding tissue.<\/li>\n
- Prostaglandin Inhibition:<\/strong> It inhibits the enzyme phospholipase A2, which blocks the production of arachidonic acid \u2014 the precursor to prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These are the key chemical mediators responsible for swelling, redness, heat, and pain in inflammation.<\/li>\n
- Vasoconstriction:<\/strong> It causes mild vasoconstriction of the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, reducing redness and fluid leakage (edema).<\/li>\n
- Immune Suppression (local):<\/strong> It reduces the migration of white blood cells (leukocytes) to the site of inflammation and decreases capillary permeability, limiting the inflammatory cascade.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Because hydrocortisone is a naturally occurring hormone (cortisol) and is classified as a low-potency corticosteroid, it achieves effective anti-inflammatory action with a lower risk of the serious ocular side effects (elevated intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts) that are more commonly seen with high-potency ophthalmic steroids such as dexamethasone or prednisolone acetate.<\/p>\n The ointment formulation provides extended drug release compared to eye drops \u2014 typically maintaining therapeutic contact with the ocular surface for 6\u20138 hours, making it ideal for overnight use.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Approved \/ Stated Uses<\/h2>\nHydrocortisone-POS\u00ae Eye Ointment 2.5% is indicated for the treatment of:<\/p>\n \n- Allergic conjunctivitis<\/strong> \u2014 seasonal and perennial<\/li>\n
- Acute and chronic iritis<\/strong> and iridocyclitis<\/li>\n
- Blepharitis<\/strong> (inflammation of the eyelid margins) \u2014 non-infectious forms<\/li>\n
- Uveitis<\/strong> and chorioretinitis<\/li>\n
- Sympathetic ophthalmia<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Post-operative ocular irritation<\/strong> \u2014 following eye surgery<\/li>\n
- Restoration of corneal transparency<\/strong> after keratitis<\/li>\n
- Suppression of corneal neovascularization<\/strong> \u2014 preventing abnormal blood vessel growth on the cornea<\/li>\n
- Non-infectious inflammation<\/strong> of the ocular surface and adnexa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important:<\/strong> This medication treats inflammation only. It does NOT treat the underlying cause of infection. If a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection is present, appropriate antimicrobial therapy must be started FIRST or concurrently as directed by your ophthalmologist.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Who Is It Best For?<\/h2>\nHydrocortisone-POS\u00ae is best suited for:<\/p>\n \n- Adults and adolescents with acute non-infectious eye inflammation<\/strong> causing redness, swelling, and discomfort<\/li>\n
- Patients with allergic conjunctivitis<\/strong> who have not responded adequately to antihistamine eye drops alone<\/li>\n
- Post-operative patients needing short-term anti-inflammatory control<\/strong> following cataract surgery, LASIK, or other ocular procedures<\/li>\n
- Patients with chronic blepharitis<\/strong> who need periodic anti-inflammatory therapy as part of an eyelid hygiene regimen<\/li>\n
- Patients who prefer an ointment formulation<\/strong> (e.g., for nighttime use) rather than eye drops<\/li>\n
- Patients for whom a low-potency corticosteroid<\/strong> is considered appropriate by their ophthalmologist \u2014 reducing risk compared to stronger steroids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n Who Should Avoid It? \/ Contraindications<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n \n ⚠ Do NOT Use Hydrocortisone-POS\u00ae If You Have:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Epithelial herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcer)<\/strong> or any other viral disease of the cornea or conjunctiva \u2014 corticosteroids can worsen herpes simplex eye infections dramatically<\/li>\n
- Bacterial eye infections<\/strong> without concurrent antibiotic coverage \u2014 steroids suppress immunity and can allow infection to spread<\/li>\n
- Fungal infections of the eye<\/strong> \u2014 corticosteroids can exacerbate mycotic infections<\/li>\n
- Ocular tuberculosis<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Corneal wounds or ulcerative lesions<\/strong> \u2014 steroids delay wound healing and may cause corneal perforation<\/li>\n
- Open-angle or closed-angle glaucoma<\/strong> (uncontrolled) \u2014 corticosteroids can raise intraocular pressure<\/li>\n
- Known hypersensitivity<\/strong> to hydrocortisone or any excipient in the formulation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Use With Caution In:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Pregnant women \u2014 only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus (Category C)<\/li>\n
- Breastfeeding mothers \u2014 insufficient data on excretion into breast milk from ophthalmic application<\/li>\n
- Children \u2014 safety and effectiveness have not been fully established; use only under strict medical supervision<\/li>\n
- Patients with a history of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or steroid-responsive glaucoma<\/li>\n
- Contact lens wearers \u2014 remove lenses before application; wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n How to Use \/ Dosage<\/h2>\nAs directed by your physician only.<\/strong> The following are general guidelines from the manufacturer \u2014 your ophthalmologist may adjust the dose based on your condition:<\/p>\n\n- Wash your hands<\/strong> thoroughly before use.<\/li>\n
- Tilt your head back<\/strong> and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.<\/li>\n
- Apply a thin strip<\/strong> (approximately 1 cm) of ointment into the lower conjunctival sac.<\/li>\n
- Close your eye gently<\/strong> and roll your eyeball in all directions to distribute the ointment evenly.<\/li>\n
- Wipe away<\/strong> any excess ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue.<\/li>\n
- Do not touch<\/strong> the tube tip to the eye or any surface to maintain sterility.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Typical Dosing:<\/strong> Apply 2\u20133 times daily, or as directed by your physician. Many physicians recommend a primary application at bedtime due to the temporary blurred vision caused by the ointment base.<\/p>\nDuration of Treatment:<\/strong> Typically 1\u20132 weeks for acute conditions. Do NOT use continuously for longer than 10\u201314 days without medical reassessment. Prolonged use increases the risk of elevated intraocular pressure and posterior subcapsular cataracts.<\/p>\nTapering:<\/strong> When discontinuing after more than a few days of use, your doctor may gradually reduce the frequency rather than stopping abruptly, to prevent rebound inflammation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Expected Results Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n| Period<\/th>\n | What to Expect<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\n| First 24 hours<\/td>\n | Initial reduction in itching and discomfort. Some patients notice decreased redness. Temporary blurred vision for 15\u201330 minutes after application is normal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| 48\u201372 hours<\/td>\n | Clinically significant improvement. A clinical trial showed 50% reduction in signs and symptoms within approximately 73.5 hours with the 2.5% concentration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Day 5\u20137<\/td>\n | Most acute inflammatory symptoms should be substantially resolved. Swelling, redness, and discharge markedly reduced.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Day 10\u201314<\/td>\n | Complete healing expected in most cases. Medical reassessment recommended. If symptoms persist, the diagnosis should be re-evaluated.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Common Questions Users Ask<\/h2>\nIs Hydrocortisone-POS\u00ae the same as skin hydrocortisone cream?<\/strong><\/p>\nNo. While both contain hydrocortisone, the ophthalmic ointment is manufactured under sterile conditions specifically for eye use. Skin creams contain preservatives and other ingredients that can irritate or damage the eye. Never use a skin hydrocortisone product in your eyes.<\/p>\n Can I use this ointment with my contact lenses?<\/strong><\/p>\nRemove contact lenses before application. The ointment base (petrolatum) can coat and damage soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes \u2014 though many ophthalmologists recommend removing lenses for the entire duration of treatment.<\/p>\n Will it blur my vision?<\/strong><\/p>\nYes, temporarily. The petrolatum base causes a film over the eye that blurs vision for 15\u201330 minutes after application. This is why nighttime application is often recommended. Do not drive or operate machinery immediately after applying the ointment.<\/p>\n Can I use Hydrocortisone-POS\u00ae for pink eye (conjunctivitis)?<\/strong><\/p>\nOnly if your ophthalmologist determines the conjunctivitis is allergic or non-infectious in nature. Using corticosteroids on bacterial or viral conjunctivitis without appropriate antimicrobial coverage can be dangerous \u2014 it can suppress the immune response while the infection spreads, potentially causing serious damage.<\/p>\n Is it safe during pregnancy?<\/strong><\/p>\nCorticosteroids are classified as Pregnancy Category C \u2014 meaning animal studies have shown teratogenic effects, but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor after weighing benefits against risks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Common Mistakes<\/h2>\n\n- Using without a prescription:<\/strong> Some patients self-medicate based on previous experience. Each episode of eye inflammation may have a different cause \u2014 bacterial, viral, allergic \u2014 and using a steroid on an infection can be sight-threatening.<\/li>\n
- Applying too much ointment:<\/strong> A thin strip (about 1 cm) is sufficient. Excess ointment does not speed recovery and increases blurred vision duration.<\/li>\n
- Continuing beyond 14 days without medical review:<\/strong> Prolonged unsupervised use can silently raise intraocular pressure, leading to steroid-induced glaucoma.<\/li>\n
- Touching the tube tip to the eye:<\/strong> This contaminates the ointment and breaks sterility. Hold the tube above the eye and squeeze gently.<\/li>\n
- Using with contact lenses in place:<\/strong> The petrolatum base damages soft lenses and traps the drug under the lens.<\/li>\n
- Stopping abruptly after prolonged use:<\/strong> This can cause rebound inflammation. Taper as directed by your physician.<\/li>\n
- Using on both eyes when only one is affected:<\/strong> Unless prescribed for both eyes, limit application to the affected eye only to minimize unnecessary steroid exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n Myths vs Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n| Myth<\/th>\n | Fact<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\n| “Eye ointments are less effective than eye drops”<\/td>\n | Ointments actually provide longer contact time and sustained drug release, making them more effective for nighttime use and severe inflammation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| “Hydrocortisone is too weak for eye inflammation”<\/td>\n | Clinical trials confirm that 2.5% hydrocortisone achieves clinically relevant improvement within 73.5 hours. Its lower potency actually reduces risk of serious side effects while maintaining efficacy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| “I can use leftover ointment from a previous tube”<\/td>\n | Once opened, ophthalmic ointments should be discarded after 28 days (or per manufacturer instructions) due to contamination risk. Never use an expired or previously opened tube.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| “Steroid eye ointments always cause cataracts”<\/td>\n | Posterior subcapsular cataracts are associated with prolonged use (weeks to months) of potent steroids. Short-term use (1\u20132 weeks) of a low-potency steroid like hydrocortisone carries minimal cataract risk.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| “Any redness in the eye needs steroid treatment”<\/td>\n | Many causes of red eyes (dry eye, viral infection, foreign body) should NOT be treated with steroids. A correct diagnosis from an ophthalmologist is essential before starting treatment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Drug Interactions \/ Interactions to Be Aware Of<\/h2>\nWhile ophthalmic corticosteroids have limited systemic absorption, the following interactions should be considered \u2014 especially with concurrent eye medications or systemic drugs:<\/p>\n \n\n\n| Drug \/ Substance<\/th>\n | Risk \/ Interaction<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | \n\n| Other ophthalmic medications (eye drops)<\/td>\n | Wait at least 5\u201310 minutes between different eye medications. Apply drops BEFORE ointments \u2014 ointments create a barrier that blocks drop absorption.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir)<\/td>\n | May increase systemic hydrocortisone levels if significant absorption occurs. Risk is low with ophthalmic use but caution is advised with prolonged treatment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Anticholinergic eye drops (atropine, cyclopentolate)<\/td>\n | Concurrent use with corticosteroids may increase the risk of elevated intraocular pressure. Monitor IOP closely.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| NSAIDs (oral or topical ophthalmic \u2014 e.g., diclofenac eye drops)<\/td>\n | Combined use with corticosteroids may increase the risk of corneal healing problems. Use under strict medical supervision.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Live vaccines<\/td>\n | Systemic corticosteroids reduce vaccine efficacy. Ophthalmic doses are unlikely to reach immunosuppressive levels, but caution is warranted with prolonged use.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Diabetes medications (insulin, oral hypoglycemics)<\/td>\n | Systemic absorption of corticosteroids can raise blood glucose. Risk is minimal with short-term ophthalmic use but diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Glaucoma medications (timolol, latanoprost, brimonidine)<\/td>\n | Corticosteroids can counteract the IOP-lowering effect of glaucoma medications. Concurrent use requires close IOP monitoring by an ophthalmologist.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n | | | | | | | |