ABSTRACT
Hydrocortisone base (hydrocortisone alcohol, hydrocortisone free alcohol) is used in tablets only, which implies that by far most allergic reactions to ‘hydrocortisone’ have in fact been the result of sensitization to an ester of hydrocortisone or of cross-reactivity to another corticosteroid. This chapter provides monographs of hydrocortisone which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
