In the U.S.—

In Canada—

Another commonly used name is iodochlorhyroxyquin and hydrocortisone.

• Antibacterial-antifungal-corticosteroid, topical

Clioquinol and hydrocortisone (klye-oh-KWIN-ole and hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone) is a combined anti-infective and cortisone-like medicine. Clioquinol and hydrocortisone topical preparations are used to treat infections of the skin and to help provide relief from the redness, itching, and discomfort of many skin problems.

Clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Topical
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S.)
• Ointment (U.S. and Canada)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to clioquinol, hydrocortisone, chloroxine (e.g., Capitrol), iodine, or iodine-containing preparations. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Clioquinol and hydrocortisone topical preparations may be absorbed through the mother's skin. This medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that it causes birth defects. Use of large amounts on the skin or use for a long time is not recommended during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding—Clioquinol and hydrocortisone topical preparations have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination is not recommended in children up to 2 years of age. Although there is no specific information comparing use of clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination in children over 2 years of age with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in these children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

• Skin infection (other)—Use of clioquinol and hydrocortisone topical preparations may make the condition worse

Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or on infants and children up to 2 years of age.

To use the cream form of this medicine:

• Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and rub in gently until cream disappears.

To use the lotion form of this medicine:

• Gently squeeze bottle and apply a few drops of lotion to the affected area. Rub in gently until lotion disappears.

To use the ointment form of this medicine:

• Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area and rub in gently.

Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the area of the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Check with your doctor before using this medicine on any other skin problems. It should not be used on certain kinds of bacterial, virus, or fungus skin infections.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of side effects. In addition, too much use, especially on thin skin areas (for example, face, armpits, groin), may result in thinning of the skin and stretch marks.

Dosing—

The dose of clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of clioquinol and hydrocortisone combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, or ointment):
  • For bacterial and fungus infections:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and over—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin three or four times a day.
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If your skin problem does not improve within 1 to 2 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may be absorbed through the skin, and too much use can affect growth. Children who must use this medicine should be followed closely by their doctor.

This medicine may stain clothing, skin, hair, and nails yellow. Avoid getting this medicine on your clothing. Bleaching may not remove the stain.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Rare
  • Blistering, burning, itching, peeling, skin rash, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine 
  
  

• With prolonged use
  • Thinning of skin with easy bruising 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.