The journey of hydrocortisone acetate started in the 1950s, a time when researchers were deep into unraveling the secrets of adrenal hormones. Cortisol had already been spotlighted for its role in managing inflammation and stress. Scientists soon recognized its rapid breakdown after oral administration, which limited its use. Pharmaceutical minds honed in on chemical modification, leading to the acetylation of hydrocortisone. This process gave birth to hydrocortisone acetate—a derivative with better stability and an extended shelf-life. Over decades, physicians and pharmacists came to trust this compound, as it proved its worth in creams and tablets for anything from eczema to adrenal insufficiency. Today’s doctor can thank the innovators of post-war medicinal chemistry for laying this groundwork and setting a gold standard in topical steroid therapy.
Hydrocortisone acetate enters the pharmacy as a synthetic corticosteroid, tailored for external and systemic administration. Drug manufacturers press it into various forms—ointments, creams, suppositories, and injectables—each targeting inflammation, itching, or overblown immune reactions. Its purpose travels far beyond calming a rash. For some, a tiny tube brought years of relief from relentless eczema. In hospitals, physicians count on its quick effects for more severe flares or for those who cannot tolerate high-dose oral steroids. The acetate ester forms a prodrug; enzymes clip off the acetate group, and pure hydrocortisone springs into action. Dosage forms vary, but the main goal stays the same: bring comfort fast and avoid the collateral damage of unchecked inflammation.
As a fine, white crystalline powder, hydrocortisone acetate resists easy dissolution in water, yet dissolves readily in alcohol and most organic solvents. With a molecular formula of C23H32O6 and a molar mass of 404.5 g/mol, it holds up well to light and reasonable temperatures. Experienced compounding pharmacists spot its faint, distinctive odor and the prized consistency needed for precise dosing. Aspects like melting point—213-220°C—help keep it stable through formulation processes. This balance between solubility and stability directly influences its shelf-life, how it blends into creams, and the effectiveness of absorption through the skin. On the surface, it may seem just another white powder among thousands, but its structure means the difference between a fleeting and a sustained anti-inflammatory effect.
Hydrocortisone acetate, whether packed into a 1% cream for consumers or bulk powder for manufacturers, carries strict quality demands. U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.) monographs lay out clear assay ranges, acceptable impurities, and identification tests—from IR spectra to melting point checks. Labeling covers statutorily required information: potency, presence of ethanol or preservatives, batch numbers, and safety statements. Regulations in places like the U.S. and EU clamp down on adulteration and misbranding, a point I saw first-hand during a stint in pharmaceutical QA. Labeling does more than satisfy bureaucrats; families count on accuracy, especially when a corticosteroid could pose risks to children or the immunosuppressed. Updates on stability, storage conditions (keep below 25°C, avoid sunlight), and expiration ensure real-world safety as the product moves from factory to pharmacy.
Pharmaceutical labs typically synthesize hydrocortisone acetate through the esterification of hydrocortisone with acetic anhydride in an organic solvent, often pyridine. Reaction control remains critical—a slight shift in pH or temperature could nudify yield or purity. My work shadowing a formulation scientist showed the effort that goes into washing, filtering out byproducts, and recrystallizing the compound for maximal purity. Post-synthesis, micronization delivers a particle size range suitable for smooth topical creams or homogenous tablets. GMP protocols push chemists and technicians to log every step, safeguard against cross-contamination, and validate the process. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing, sometimes holding up delivery for days, just to confirm the right acetate group sits attached and no trace solvent lingers.
The journey from hydrocortisone to its acetate ester isn’t unique, but the chemistry carries impact. Acetylation caps the 21-hydroxy group, preventing immediate metabolic breakdown and granting the molecule more time to reach target tissues. Scientists haven’t stopped there. Further modifications to hydrocortisone’s core have yielded related drugs—prednisolone, dexamethasone—that offer varying potency and duration. I’ve seen labs experiment with liposomal delivery and nanoparticle encapsulation, aiming to fine-tune how quickly and deeply hydrocortisone acetate penetrates skin. These advances echo through both generic markets and boutique drug manufacturing, with the acetate scaffold as a recurring motif for extending half-life and improving specificity.
Drug catalogs list hydrocortisone acetate under a handful of names: Cortisol 21-acetate, Hydrocortancyl, and Cortisol acetate. These reflect historical naming conventions and marketing, often determined by national pharmacopeias or branding choices. Prescription software and shelf packaging often just say “Hydrocortisone Acetate,” yet pharmacists and providers stay alert for variations, especially when switching between generic and originator brands. I’ve fielded patient questions about whether “Cortisol Acetate” cream from one pharmacy swapped for “Hydrocortisone Acetate” from another would work the same. Clarity about synonyms curbs medication errors and gives confidence to physicians and patients alike.
Handling hydrocortisone acetate demands a respect for both its power and its risks. In the lab, safety data sheets list recommendations for gloves, ventilation, and surfaces that won’t absorb spills. Chronic skin exposure can thin the skin, while accidental inhalation irritates mucous membranes. On top of worker safety, the broader healthcare system presses for stewardship in use—avoiding unnecessary prescriptions to slow the creep of resistant skin conditions like steroid-induced rosacea. Pharmacy counters stress reading the label, using as prescribed, and monitoring for long-term side effects. Drug shortages and recalls sometimes rattle the supply chain, a reality I’ve seen play out with sudden spikes in demand or changes in manufacturing. Here, rigorous adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) covers not just purity, but traceability and accountability right back to the raw materials.
Doctors prescribe hydrocortisone acetate for a wide stretch of ailments linked by their shared enemy: inflammation. Eczema, allergic dermatitis, and psoriasis top the list for topical application, offering rapid itch relief and a chance for skin to heal. Hospitals depend on it in injectable form for adrenal crisis or proctological problems like hemorrhoids. Some veterinarians rely on it for inflamed animal skin, highlighting its cross-species value. During consultations, I’ve watched patients with inflamed eyelids sigh in relief as redness faded within days. Over-the-counter availability puts this compound within reach for millions, but strict potency limits protect the public from its side effects. That balance—access and control—defines the practice landscape for corticosteroids everywhere.
A drug born more than half a century ago still earns research dollars today. Scientists focus on improving delivery and minimizing the risk of skin thinning, steroid acne, and adrenal suppression. Nanotechnology and polymer gels raise the hope of targeting inflamed tissues without saturating healthy ones. Studies pit hydrocortisone acetate against newer corticosteroids, testing non-inferiority or synergy with non-steroid anti-inflammatories. At conferences, I’ve watched debates about dosing—whether short bursts or chronic low-dose regimens better balance symptom relief against long-term harm. Regulatory agencies regularly review data, updating safety warnings or setting new quality benchmarks based on the latest science. This relentless curiosity drives product innovation and gives healthcare professionals fresh evidence for guiding treatment.
Toxicologists chart a fine line between therapeutic benefit and risk in corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone acetate toxicity, though rare, comes with the same baggage as more potent analogues: suppressed immune defenses, raised blood sugar, changes in fat distribution, and mood swings. Animal studies inform safe exposure levels and flag routes of administration that might usher in toxicity—like prolonged systemic doses in children. Human case reports fill in the real-world puzzle, showing what happens when patients over-apply creams or swallow more tablets than advised. Years around clinical pharmacologists taught me that “safe in small doses” hardly means “safe in all doses.” Pharmaceutical companies continue monitoring post-market safety, publishing new data on rare complications and advising on best-case risk management.
The picture of hydrocortisone acetate’s future looks dynamic, shaped by shifts in manufacturing, regulation, and personalized medicine. Demand rides high in regions battling rising rates of eczema and allergies, while telemedicine brings these treatments into new homes every year. The next wave likely involves improved formulations: tapes, sprays, or smart patches that meter out drug doses and limit risk. Researchers outline plans for prodrugs that activate only at inflamed sites, trimming down side effects. New manufacturing techniques promise cleaner, more consistent production. Developers tap into patient feedback more than ever, steering product design toward what real users need—be it fragrance-free options or sustainable packaging. Policymakers and payers also press for affordability, as prescription steroid costs trend upward and global access remains uneven. The road forward draws from decades of chemistry, pharmacy, and patient experience, giving this classic corticosteroid a seat at the table for many years ahead.
Hydrocortisone acetate turns up in a lot of people’s medicine cabinets. Found in creams, ointments, and even suppositories, it’s not only a prescription fix—some forms line pharmacy shelves for over-the-counter use. The main reason folks reach for it is simple: irritation, inflammation, and those annoying skin flare-ups that can keep you up at night.
For many, the word “steroid” triggers thoughts of bodybuilders or banned substances in sports. But in reality, hydrocortisone acetate belongs to a branch of steroids called corticosteroids, which work differently from the ones used for muscle growth. Our bodies already make a version of hydrocortisone in the adrenal gland. When stress rises or injuries happen, your natural hydrocortisone helps keep inflammation and allergic responses in check.
Now, in a cream or ointment, hydrocortisone acetate steps into that role to calm redness, itching, and swelling from minor skin irritations, like eczema, psoriasis, or the sting that comes with insect bites. When you apply it, the medicine sinks into the top layers of skin and punches the brakes on the body’s overactive response that causes all that discomfort.
Almost everyone in my family has reached for a tube of hydrocortisone cream at some point—whether for bug bites during a summer camping trip or an eczema patch that flared up from stress. It's right next to the antibiotic ointment in our medicine drawer. Even dermatologists trust it as a frontline fix for rashes, poison ivy, or allergies from hand soaps and detergents.
Doctors prescribe stronger forms for tougher symptoms or tricky spots—think severe anal itching, hemorrhoids, or certain food allergies that flare up on the skin. Suppositories containing hydrocortisone acetate sometimes get used for internal inflammation, which says a lot about how versatile this medicine can be.
It’s tempting to treat it like a cure-all. I've seen neighbors slather it on everything, thinking more cream means faster healing. The trouble is, long-term or heavy use can thin the skin, make infections worse, or cause burning and dryness. Children and older adults face even more risk— their skin soaks up the drug faster. At one point, a child in our neighborhood developed bruises and stretch marks after repeated, unsupervised use for persistent diaper rash. Stories like these underline the need for clear instructions from medical professionals and careful reading of drug labels at home.
A lot of health issues stem from not knowing enough about what’s in our medicine drawer. Pharmacists, urgent care doctors, and online resources could all do a better job explaining how and when to use hydrocortisone acetate. Family medicine clinics should spend extra time with parents or caregivers who reach for topical steroids regularly. Pharmacies can offer brief counseling sessions—just five minutes spent on how to recognize overuse might spare someone from months of skin damage.
In some countries, pharmacies restrict over-the-counter steroid sales to cut down on misuse. That might seem strict, but it’s one way to prompt real conversations between patients and healthcare workers. Misuse often boils down to good intentions but poor information.
Hydrocortisone acetate works well for calming down itchy skin, swelling, and irritation. Like any medicine that’s easy to get, it gets misused if folks aren’t careful. Trust between patients and healthcare workers, honest discussions, and easy-to-understand instructions make all the difference. It's one of those tools that works best when you don’t take its familiarity for granted.
Hydrocortisone acetate works as a steroid, which means it tackles redness, swelling, itching, and irritation. Many folks know it as a cream or ointment, though doctors occasionally prescribe it as a suppository or injection. Pharmacies stock it behind the counter, but doctors remain gatekeepers, and with good reason — this isn’t a medicine to treat lightly.
In daily life, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, even bug bites sometimes call for a tube of hydrocortisone acetate. Most doctors recommend spreading a thin layer over the problem area. Use just enough to cover the spot; the skin absorbs the medicine quickly, so globbing it on will not speed up relief. My own family has a history of eczema, and we learned early that giving the skin room to breathe helps as much as the cream itself. Dermatologists warn against bandaging the area unless told otherwise, because that traps the steroid and ups the risk of side effects like thinning or bruising.
Doctors usually suggest putting it on once or twice each day. Rubbing too often or longer than needed can thin skin, which sets the stage for trouble — think stretch marks or easy bruising. Some stubborn patches clear up in less than a week, others ask for two or three weeks of treatment. Sticking to the timeline the doctor gives plays a real part in keeping complications away. Parents should keep a close eye on kids using this cream, too, because children’s thinner skin soaks up steroids more easily than adult skin.
It sounds simple, almost too basic — wash your hands before and after putting on hydrocortisone acetate. This cuts the chances of infection and keeps you from accidentally spreading the cream to your face or eyes. Hydrocortisone in the eyes can lead to big problems, from irritation to risk of eye infections or even glaucoma with repeated contact.
Doctors sometimes use hydrocortisone acetate suppositories for conditions like hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease. Here, the medicine reaches deep into the rectum where ointments cannot reach. The same basic rules still apply: follow the instructions closely, never go past the recommended number of doses, and check for signs of infection or bleeding. With injectables, only health professionals should handle the process.
Mistakes carry consequences. Overusing steroids — even over-the-counter forms — can set off side effects like skin thinning or stretch marks. Using the medicine on delicate skin (face, groin, underarms) raises the risk further. In rare cases, absorbing too much can mess with natural hormone levels, even slow growth in kids. Recent studies from the American Academy of Dermatology confirm these risks are real, especially in unsupervised use. Doctors possess the knowledge to balance benefits and dangers, so anyone needing the cream for more than a few days should return for a check-in.
Clear communication between doctor, pharmacist, and patient offers the best defense against improper use. A printed instruction sheet sometimes gets ignored, so having the chance to ask questions makes a tangible difference. The basics remain: use as directed, monitor the skin, keep it away from sensitive spots, and always contact the doctor if new symptoms pop up. Hydrocortisone acetate brings real relief — but only if everyone understands how, where, and why to use it.
Hydrocortisone acetate can calm down angry skin and inflamed joints, but its help comes with a cost. Steroids like this often land in the medicine cabinets of folks battling eczema, arthritis, allergies, and asthma. I’ve seen people relieved to finally get their hands on that tiny tube or pill bottle after nights scratching or gasping for air. Relief often overshadows the risks at first. But trouble brews if you overlook the baggage hydrocortisone acetate carries.
Some people notice their skin thinning where they apply hydrocortisone cream—almost like old parchment. Even veins might show up more. Small red spots and stretch marks sometimes make an unwelcome appearance, too. Using it on the face can spark redness, acne or a telltale puffiness. I’ve watched patients wrestle with more hair on their faces or arms, feeling self-conscious about changes no one ever warned them about.
Take it by mouth or inject it, and the story gets bigger. People sometimes gain weight, especially around the belly, or see their faces get rounder. Bruises start showing up in odd places, healing slows down, and every scratch seems to last longer. Nights get restless. Mood swings can hit hard. Some mention feeling irritable or suddenly anxious. It’s easy to underestimate this emotional fallout if you’ve never experienced it yourself.
The immune system often takes a hit. Folks taking hydrocortisone acetate—especially long-term—find themselves catching colds and infections more easily. Wounds drag their feet healing. Even vaccines work less well. Doctors don’t always talk through these details, but family members spot the pattern after a few months: Simple sniffles stick around, and bruises take weeks to vanish.
Blood sugar can go up, a real concern for people already worried about diabetes. Blood pressure sometimes climbs, too. With high doses, eyes can suffer; cataracts or glaucoma might develop with extended use. Bones, which most of us don't think about until they break, can lose density. Older adults, and even younger women already at risk for osteoporosis, may see their bones weaken quietly over time.
It gets tempting just to stop using hydrocortisone acetate once side effects show up. But dropping steroids cold turkey can backfire. I’ve worked with people who felt worse after stopping suddenly—dizzy, weak, or sick to their stomachs. Tapering the dose makes a huge difference, especially after prolonged courses.
Talking with a doctor before making any decisions turns out to be the best step. A careful plan protects you from withdrawal while finding new ways to manage the original issue. Moisturizers, antihistamines, or even lower-strength steroids help keep symptoms in check for many.
Simple habits often help too. Watch how much you use—dab, don’t glob. Keep an eye out for new moles, rashes, or eye trouble. Seek out a nutritionist for bone health tips if you’re on long-term treatment. Ask your doctor to check blood sugar and pressure so nothing sneaks up on you.
People usually start hydrocortisone acetate hoping to get back to normal life fast. By understanding side effects and paying attention to the risks, it’s easier to strike a real balance—get the good, dodge the harm, and put quality of life front and center.
Every expecting or new mother wants to make the best decision when it comes to medication—especially when there’s a baby involved. Hydrocortisone acetate, found in some creams and ointments for itching, rashes, or eczema, often raises questions at the pharmacy counter. Some folks see it as just a skin cream, but this medicine is a type of corticosteroid. As a parent myself, the worry of anything that might pass from mom to baby stays real. Concerns about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding shouldn’t be brushed off.
Doctors have prescribed hydrocortisone acetate for decades. Most topical steroids, when used in low doses and on smaller areas of skin, don’t travel far into the bloodstream. Studies point out that very little makes its way past the skin unless applied in thick layers, for long stretches, or on broken skin. That said, high doses or overuse set off alarms. Researchers uncover ties to lower birth weights or delayed growth in rare, high-exposure cases, mostly with stronger steroids than hydrocortisone acetate. The FDA places hydrocortisone in Category C. Animal tests show some risk, but scientists never studied it directly on pregnant humans due to obvious ethical barriers. Real stories from clinics show that with measured, short-term use under medical supervision, harmful effects remain unlikely. Still, many doctors urge pregnant women to use the lowest practical dose, only on spots that truly need it.
With breastfeeding, the stakes change but don’t entirely disappear. Some hydrocortisone can pass from cream on the skin into breast milk, but the amounts remain tiny with standard use on intact skin. Pediatricians usually feel comfortable recommending short-term, low-potency hydrocortisone creams when other options fall short. If treating cracked nipples or applying near the breast, washing the area before feeding gives an added layer of safety. Babies are more sensitive in the early weeks, so smaller, limited treatments make the most sense. Moms should always double-check with their health provider for anything longer than a couple of days.
Making health decisions during pregnancy or breastfeeding almost always means talking trade-offs with a trusted provider. For mild rashes, non-drug options like oatmeal baths or gentle moisturizers often calm the skin without added risk. For stronger reactions, a short prescription may be worth it to halt itching or prevent infections that can do more harm. Open conversations with doctors who value both medical evidence and the realities of life with a newborn can lead to better peace of mind. If someone needs hydrocortisone regularly for a major skin issue, dermatologists can weigh in with up-to-date advice and possible alternatives.
Knowledge travels best person‑to‑person, not as blanket rules on a label. Trust grows when providers talk through risks, alternatives, and the science behind these medicines. Always use the smallest amount for the shortest time, watch for changes on your skin, and keep asking questions. Real people face unique circumstances, so decisions will look different in every family. Good health comes from honest conversations, common-sense choices, and care for both mother and child—every step of the way.
Taking more than one medication often feels routine—just a part of daily life for many. Hydrocortisone acetate, a corticosteroid used for inflammation or skin issues, shows up in plenty of medicine cabinets. Yet, mixing it with certain other drugs can trigger side effects or make medications less effective. With health at stake, it pays to know what’s really happening inside the body before adding another pill.
My dad has high blood pressure and takes medication for it. Years ago he needed a prescription cream with hydrocortisone acetate for a stubborn rash. His doctor warned about possible blood sugar spikes, not just itching relief. Steroids like hydrocortisone acetate can make the liver release more glucose and can blunt the body’s response to insulin, so people with diabetes or on diabetes drugs have to pay special attention. One bump in the dose can throw blood sugar into turmoil.
Antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole and even some antibiotics like rifampin can mess with how long hydrocortisone acetate sticks around in your system. Ketoconazole slows its breakdown, making side effects—like water retention or increased blood pressure—more common. Rifampin, on the other hand, speeds up how the body clears it out, reducing its effectiveness. Anyone using both for separate health issues should get their prescriptions reviewed together, not in isolation.
Blood thinners such as warfarin enter the picture too. Some folks in my mother’s support group needed blood thinning medications for heart conditions. Their doctors checked their medication list for steroids because steroids can make the blood-thinning effect less reliable, changing clotting risk. Even common painkillers like ibuprofen can combine with hydrocortisone and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Stories from friends remind me how real these interactions can be. One close friend started losing sleep and felt jittery not long after picking up an over-the-counter decongestant. It turns out even nasal sprays can interact with topical steroid creams in certain circumstances, especially if someone’s skin absorbs more than usual or they’re using higher doses. Over time, ignoring symptoms or not reading labels risks bigger complications—weak bones, raised eye pressure, and infections that don’t heal.
Face-to-face conversations with pharmacists go a long way. I find that explaining your full list of medications to both pharmacist and doctor helps them spot risks faster. Digital record systems catch a lot of conflicts now, but sometimes they miss treatments with topical steroids since people assume they’re harmless. It’s not a bad idea to bring medications from home if you ever feel unsure.
Checking blood pressure, monitoring blood sugar, and reporting new symptoms should become second nature for those prescribed steroids. Patients don’t have to figure it all out alone. Up-to-date references from organizations like the FDA and Mayo Clinic list the most common interactions. Trusted online platforms can shed light, but nothing beats tailored advice from someone trained to spot subtle signs—especially for anyone juggling a longer list of medications.
Many people bounce between specialists or pick up new prescriptions without pause. Over time, keeping doctors and pharmacists in the loop means fewer surprises and less risk. Open chats create a buffer against the sort of dangerous mix-ups that keep emergency rooms busy. Hydrocortisone acetate works well for many, but its power comes packaged with the need to pay attention—especially if other medications already shape your health story.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | (11β)-11,17,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione 21-acetate |
| Other names |
Hydrocortisone 21-acetate
Cortisol acetate Hydrocortistab Cortate HC Acetate |
| Pronunciation | /haɪˌdrəʊˈkɔːrtɪˌsoʊn ˈæsɪˌteɪt/ |
| Preferred IUPAC name | (1S,2R,8S,10S,11S,13R,14S,15S,17R)-2-[(Acetyloxy)methyl]-11,17-dihydroxy-10,13,15-trimethyl-1,2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one |
| Other names |
Cortisol acetate
Hydrocortisonum aceticum Acetate de hydrocortisone Acetato de hidrocortisona |
| Pronunciation | /haɪˌdrəʊˈkɔːrtɪˌsoʊn ˈæsɪˌteɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 50-03-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 505737 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:4446 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1386 |
| ChemSpider | 21105531 |
| DrugBank | DB00547 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 06bfc13e-8f85-4918-b9e2-62c4872510b7 |
| EC Number | 5.3.1.24 |
| Gmelin Reference | 4975 |
| KEGG | C02477 |
| MeSH | D006789 |
| PubChem CID | 5754 |
| RTECS number | MU7961000 |
| UNII | 4TO8260B1X |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CAS Number | 50-03-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1148643 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:4446 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1200477 |
| ChemSpider | 5796 |
| DrugBank | DB00635 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.027.285 |
| EC Number | 1.1.1.215 |
| Gmelin Reference | 30941 |
| KEGG | D08044 |
| MeSH | D006938 |
| PubChem CID | 5755 |
| RTECS number | MG1050000 |
| UNII | 43VIB6BW9T |
| UN number | Not regulated |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID2021276 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C23H32O6 |
| Molar mass | 404.47 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.33 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.51 |
| Vapor pressure | <1.7E-7 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.59 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 12.53 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.73e-6 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.478 |
| Dipole moment | 8.59 D |
| Chemical formula | C23H32O6 |
| Molar mass | 404.47 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.28 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.61 |
| Vapor pressure | 6.8 x 10^-8 mmHg (25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.59 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 12.53 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.21×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.474 |
| Viscosity | White, smooth, homogeneous ointment |
| Dipole moment | 2.61 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 567.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 741.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1228.1 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -10080 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | H02AB09 |
| ATC code | S01BA02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye irritation; may cause skin irritation; may cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use on broken or infected skin unless directed by a doctor. If irritation develops, discontinue use and consult a physician. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | Hydrocortisone Acetate has a flash point of 235.3 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 445 °C |
| Explosive limits | Not explosive |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 4240 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral (rat) 1670 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Class IA143 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not Listed |
| Main hazards | May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled; may cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use on broken or infected skin unless directed by a physician. If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and consult a doctor. Use only as directed. |
| Flash point | 226.2°C |
| Explosive limits | Non-explosive |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): >4000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral (rat) 4240 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | MO9625000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Hydrocortisone
Cortisone Acetate Prednisolone Prednisone Hydrocortisone Hemisuccinate Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Hydrocortisone Butyrate |
| Related compounds |
Hydrocortisone
Cortisone Prednisolone Prednisone Dexamethasone Methylprednisolone Betamethasone Triamcinolone |