hydrocortisone / pramoxine
Analpram HC cream is a topical medication that contains hydrocortisone (a corticosteroid) and pramoxine (a pain reliever). It's used to ease itching and inflammation from different skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) is typically applied 3 to 4 times daily to affected area(s). Most people experience few to no side effects while using this medication as directed. Some people have reported mild skin irritation.
Note: Topical medications containing hydrocortisone and pramoxine are also available under other brand names (e.g., Pramosone, Epifoam) and formulations (e.g., foam, lotion, ointment), and also as generics.
What is Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)?
What is Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) used for?
- Itching and inflammation from certain skin conditions, like psoriasis
How Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) works
Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) is a combination of two medications:
- Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid. It works by lowering the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps to lower skin inflammation.
- Pramoxine is a local anesthetic. It stops nerve endings from sending pain signals in parts of the skin that have pain or discomfort.
Drug facts
Side effects of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burning
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
Less Common Side Effects
- Acne-like bumps
- Changes in skin color
- Rash or heat rash
- Thinning skin
- Stretch marks
- Pruning or wrinkling of the skin
- Hair growth
The following Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
- Unexpected hair growth at application site
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
Pros
- Available in different formulations and strengths
- Works directly in the area to relieve symptoms of skin irritation
- Combines two medications into one topical product for convenience
Cons
- Might cause some temporary burning or itching
- Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning
- Applied multiple times a day
Pharmacist tips for Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
- Wash your hands before and after using Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, wash your eyes with water or saline and contact your healthcare team if irritation doesn't go away.
- Use the smallest amount of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) needed to cover the affect area. Using too much medication, especially over a longer period of time, can cause your body to absorb too much medication. This can raise your risk of side effects, like skin thinning.
- Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) should only be used on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. You shouldn’t use it on wounds or damaged skin. To avoid side effects, don't use this medication in your eyes, nose, ears, or rectum.
- Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) unless directed by your healthcare team. If you're applying this medication around the diaper area, don't use tight fitting diapers or plastic pants on your toddler. Doing so might affect how much medication gets absorbed.
- Don't use Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) on your face, underarms, or groin areas unless your healthcare team tells you to do so. The skin in these areas are more sensitive and side effects are more likely to happen.
- If you're using Epifoam topical foam, shake the container for 5 to 10 seconds before each application. Hold the container upright and press down on the cap to dispense medication. If no medication comes out, press down on the cap several times until foam appears. Rinse the Epifoam container and cap with warm water after each use.
- If you're using Pramosone lotion, you need to shake it well before use.
Common questions about Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) contains hydrocortisone, which is a topical corticosteroid. This medication can help lessen skin rash and irritation. Hydrocortisone is a very low potency corticosteroid, so it's less likely to cause serious side effects related to more potent topical steroids.
No, Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) doesn't contain any antihistamine. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid, while pramoxine is a topical anesthetic (pain reliever) that blocks pain signals. Both of these medications work together to help relieve skin irritations.
No, Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) isn't over-the-counter (OTC). You can only get this medication at the pharmacy with a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP). But you can find hydrocortisone and pramoxine OTC in separate medications. For example, hydrocortisone 1% is available over the counter. Keep in mind that hydrocortisone 2.5% is only available by prescription. Talk to your healthcare team to see which option best works for your skin condition.
How long it takes for Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) to work can differ from person to person, depending on your skin condition. A study suggestion that topical pramoxine can ease itching in 3 to 5 minutes after application. But it'll take longer for the inflammation to get better. Typically, if you don't see improvement in your skin condition after a week, let your healthcare team know and they can talk with you about next steps or other treatment options.
Let your healthcare team know if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant before you start Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine). It's unclear how this medication might affect pregnancy because it hasn't been well-studied in pregnant people. But in general, OTC hydrocortisone 1% is considered safe during pregnancy if you use it for the shortest period of time needed to treat your condition. Also, a study looking topical hydrocortisone/pramoxine for hemorrhoids showed that this medication didn't cause harm when used by mothers during late pregnancy. Ask care team about the benefits and risks of using Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) during pregnancy, as well as about other options to treat your skin condition.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of hormone-related side effects
- Risk factors: Using Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) for a long period of time | Using more Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) than recommended | Covering applied area with a bandage | Young children
Using topical steroids, especially high-potency steroids, for longer than recommended and over a large skin area can cause a medical condition called adrenal suppression. This is when your body stops making its own steroid hormones because of the presence of the steroid medication. And if you stop the medication suddenly, it can lead to symptoms of withdrawal include skin swelling, rash, and burning.
This side effect is unlikely to happen with Analpram HC because hydrocortisone is a very low-potency steroid. But to be safe, your healthcare team will prescribe the lowest amount of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) for the shortest period of time needed to treat your condition. If you need to use this medication for a longer period of time or over a larger skin area, your care team might ask you to do some lab work to test how well your adrenal gland works. Don't stop using Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) suddenly without talking to your healthcare team first.
Risk of blood sugar problems
- Risk factors: Using Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) for a long period of time | Using more Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) than recommended | Covering applied area with a bandage | Young children
Using high-potency steroids for longer than recommended and over a large skin area can raise your blood sugar levels. You're unlikely to experience this side effect from Analpram HC if you use it as directed because hydrocortisone is a very low-potency steroid. But let your healthcare team know if you have high blood sugar because they might ask you to check your blood sugar levels more often while you're using this medication.
Skin problems
- Risk factors: Excessive and inappropriate use of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) | Using a lot of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
Using Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) longer than directed by your healthcare team can raise your risk skin-related side effects, including skin thinning or easy bruising. To prevent severe skin reactions from happening, your care team will prescribe the lowest possible dose of Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) to treat your symptoms for the shortest amount of time. Let your healthcare team know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems.
Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) dosage
Typical dosage for Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
Combination medications that contain hydrocortisone/pramoxine come in different formulations and strengths. Different products might have different directions, so it's important to follow the instructions from your healthcare team.
In general, the typical dose is to apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 3 to 4 times daily.
How much does Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) cost?
What are alternatives to Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)?
News about Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine)
Analpram HC (hydrocortisone / pramoxine) images
