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Equate Hydrocortisone

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Active ingredient
Hydrocortisone 1 g/100 g
Other brand names
Drug class
Corticosteroid
Dosage form
Cream
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2012
Label revision date
December 15, 2025
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Active ingredient
Hydrocortisone 1 g/100 g
Other brand names
Drug class
Corticosteroid
Dosage form
Cream
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2012
Label revision date
December 15, 2025
Manufacturer
Wal-Mart Stores Inc
Registration number
M017
NDC root
49035-707
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Packaging Info (3 NDCs)
Packaging & NDC Codes (3)

If you are a healthcare professional or from the pharmaceutical industry please visit this version.

If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

Drug Overview

Equate™ is a maximum strength anti-itch cream that contains 1% hydrocortisone, a medication known for its ability to relieve itching and discomfort associated with various skin conditions. This cream is designed for sensitive skin and is formulated with soothing aloe to provide additional comfort.

You can use Equate™ to temporarily relieve itching caused by minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and reactions to detergents, jewelry, cosmetics, and soaps. It is also effective for alleviating external anal and genital itching.

Uses

This product is designed to provide temporary relief from itching caused by various minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes. You can use it for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and reactions to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. It also helps soothe itching from insect bites, as well as irritations caused by detergents, jewelry, cosmetics, soaps, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Additionally, this product can relieve external itching in the anal and genital areas. For any other uses, it's important to consult with your doctor for guidance and supervision.

Dosage and Administration

If you're dealing with itching from skin irritation, inflammation, or rashes, you can apply the medication to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day if you are an adult or a child aged 2 years and older. However, if your child is under 2 years old, it's important to consult a doctor before using this treatment.

For external itching around the anal and genital areas, adults should first clean the area with mild soap and warm water, then rinse thoroughly. After gently drying the area by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth, you can apply the medication up to 3 to 4 times daily. If the person is under 12 years old, please check with a doctor before use.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this product safely to avoid potential issues. You should not use it in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge or for treating diaper rash without consulting a doctor first. Additionally, be careful to avoid contact with your eyes while using this product.

When using it, make sure to follow the directions closely. Do not use more than what is recommended unless your doctor advises otherwise. Also, avoid inserting the product directly into the rectum using your fingers or any devices. Following these guidelines will help ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Side Effects

When using this product, it's important to be aware of some potential side effects and warnings. You should avoid contact with your eyes and not use it more than directed unless advised by a doctor. If you notice that your condition worsens, symptoms last longer than 7 days, or if you experience rectal bleeding, stop using the product and consult a doctor. Additionally, do not use it in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge or for diaper rash without consulting a healthcare professional.

Keep this product out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Warnings and Precautions

This product is for external use only, so please avoid using it on any internal areas, especially if you have a vaginal discharge or diaper rash—consult your doctor in these cases. When applying the product, be careful not to get it in your eyes, and only use the amount directed by your doctor. Do not insert it into the rectum using your fingers or any device.

If your condition worsens, if symptoms last longer than 7 days, or if they clear up and then return within a few days, stop using the product and consult your doctor. Additionally, if you experience rectal bleeding, seek medical advice immediately. If the product is swallowed, get emergency help or contact a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed too much of this medication, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. You can contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Signs of an overdose may include unusual symptoms, but specific details on these symptoms are not provided here. If you notice anything concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Remember, acting quickly can make a significant difference in ensuring safety and health.

Pregnancy Use

When it comes to using hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy, there is no specific information available about its safety, dosage adjustments, or any special precautions you should take. This means that if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using this cream. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your individual situation. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor to ensure the best care for you and your baby.

Lactation Use

If you are breastfeeding, you can feel reassured that there are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding the use of this product while nursing. Additionally, there is no information available about whether this product is excreted in breast milk or any potential risks to your infant. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about using medications while breastfeeding.

Pediatric Use

If your child is under 2 years old, it's important not to use this medication without consulting a doctor first. For children aged 2 years and older, you can apply the medication to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day. However, if your child is under 12 years old and is experiencing external anal or genital itching, you should also seek advice from a doctor before using the product. Always prioritize your child's safety and well-being by following these guidelines.

Geriatric Use

While there is no specific information available about the use of this medication in older adults, it’s important to approach any new treatment with caution. If you or a loved one is an older adult, it’s always wise to discuss any medications with a healthcare provider, especially considering potential changes in health or how the body processes drugs as we age.

Since there are no dosage adjustments or special precautions mentioned for elderly patients, your healthcare provider can help determine the best approach based on individual health needs and any other medications being taken. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have renal impairment (kidney issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your health situation. They can help you understand how to manage your treatment effectively while considering your kidney health.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Before starting any new medication, including this one, you should discuss your liver health with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the best approach for your treatment and ensure your safety.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. Currently, there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication. However, every individual’s health situation is unique, and your healthcare provider can help ensure that your treatment is safe and effective. Always discuss any other medications, supplements, or health conditions you have to avoid potential issues.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance and safety of your product, store it at a temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). This temperature range helps maintain the integrity of the device.

When handling the product, be sure to do so with clean hands and in a clean environment to avoid contamination. Always follow any specific disposal instructions provided to ensure safe and responsible disposal of any components.

Additional Information

You will apply this medication topically, which means you will apply it directly to the skin. There are no additional details available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experiences related to this medication.

FAQ

What is equate™ used for?

Equate™ is used to temporarily relieve itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites.

How should I apply equate™?

For adults and children 2 years and older, apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily. Children under 2 years should not use it without consulting a doctor.

Are there any warnings for using equate™?

Yes, avoid contact with eyes, do not use more than directed, and do not apply directly into the rectum. Consult a doctor if you have a vaginal discharge or for diaper rash.

What should I do if my condition worsens?

Stop using equate™ and consult a doctor if your condition worsens, symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or if rectal bleeding occurs.

Is equate™ safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing?

The insert does not provide specific information regarding the use of equate™ during pregnancy or nursing. Consult your doctor for advice.

What are the side effects of equate™?

Equate™ is for external use only. If swallowed, seek medical help immediately. Common side effects may include irritation at the application site.

How should I store equate™?

Store equate™ at 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its effectiveness.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equate Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Equate Hydrocortisone.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Equate Hydrocortisone, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to various conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, oak, sumac, insect bites, detergents, jewelry, cosmetics, soaps, and seborrheic dermatitis. Additionally, it provides temporary relief for external anal and genital itching.

Other uses of this product should only be undertaken under the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional. There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

For the treatment of itching associated with skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes, the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 2 years and older is to apply the medication to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. For children under 2 years of age, the use of this medication is not recommended; consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

In cases of external anal and genital itching in adults, it is advisable to first clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water, ensuring thorough rinsing. After cleansing, the area should be gently dried by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth prior to application. The medication should then be applied to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before use.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

The product should not be applied to the genital area in the presence of vaginal discharge; consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. Additionally, it is contraindicated for the treatment of diaper rash, and a doctor should be consulted in such cases.

Contact with the eyes must be avoided. The product should not be used in excess of the directed dosage unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Furthermore, it is contraindicated to administer the product directly into the rectum using fingers, mechanical devices, or applicators.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only. This product is contraindicated for use in the genital area if a vaginal discharge is present; consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. It is also not recommended for the treatment of diaper rash without prior medical consultation.

When utilizing this product, it is imperative to avoid contact with the eyes. Users should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and should not exceed the directed amount unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Direct application into the rectum using fingers, mechanical devices, or applicators is contraindicated.

Patients should discontinue use and seek medical advice if the condition worsens, if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or if symptoms resolve and then recur within a few days. Additionally, this product, along with any other hydrocortisone products, should not be used without consulting a healthcare professional in such cases. Immediate medical attention is required if rectal bleeding occurs.

In the event of accidental ingestion, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware that it is intended for external use only. It is contraindicated for use in the genital area if there is a vaginal discharge, and patients are advised to consult a doctor in such cases. Additionally, the product should not be used for the treatment of diaper rash without medical consultation.

While using this product, patients should avoid contact with the eyes and adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. It is important not to exceed the directed use unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. The product should not be administered directly into the rectum using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if the condition worsens, if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or if symptoms clear up and then recur within a few days. Furthermore, if rectal bleeding occurs, medical advice should be sought immediately.

This product should be kept out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there are no known interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equate Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Equate Hydrocortisone.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 2 years of age should not use this medication and are advised to consult a doctor. For children aged 2 years and older, the recommended application is to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. In children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to seek medical advice before using the medication for external anal and genital itching.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in efficacy, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

The safety of hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy has not been established, as the prescribing information does not provide specific data regarding its use in this population. Consequently, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when recommending this medication to pregnant patients. There are no documented safety concerns, dosage modifications, or special precautions outlined for the use of hydrocortisone cream in pregnant women. Given the lack of information, it is advisable for women of childbearing potential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before using this medication during pregnancy.

Lactation

There are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding the use of this product in nursing mothers. Additionally, there is no information available about the potential for excretion in breast milk or any associated risks to breastfed infants during lactation.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert text regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients, although specific recommendations are not provided.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this drug. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not outlined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdosage, immediate medical assistance is crucial. If the substance is ingested, healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. The national Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Prompt intervention is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are recommended to ensure patient safety and effective recovery.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects, non-teratogenic effects, or any specific findings in nonclinical toxicology studies. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of swallowing, patients should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should be informed not to use this product in the genital area if they have a vaginal discharge and to consult a doctor in such cases. Additionally, it should not be used for the treatment of diaper rash without prior consultation with a healthcare professional.

Patients must be instructed to stop using the product and consult a doctor if their condition worsens, if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or if symptoms clear up and then recur within a few days. They should also be cautioned against using this or any other hydrocortisone product unless they have consulted a doctor.

If rectal bleeding occurs, patients should be advised to stop use and seek medical attention. While using this product, patients should avoid contact with their eyes to prevent irritation.

It is important to remind patients not to exceed the directed dosage unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare provider. Furthermore, patients should be cautioned against inserting the product directly into the rectum using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions should be ensured to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures or environmental factors that may compromise the product's quality.

Additional Clinical Information

The route of administration for the product is topical. There are no additional details available regarding laboratory tests, abuse information, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Equate Hydrocortisone, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Equate Hydrocortisone, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

Learn more in our Editorial Policy

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Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.