Hydrocortisone Acetate + Benzyl Benzoate + Bismuth Subgallate + Bismuth Oxide + Balsam Peru + Zinc Oxide

Allopathic
Indications
  • Topical Skin Disorders
    • Inflammatory dermatoses: Eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis
    • Pruritus and mild allergic reactions: Reduces itching and irritation
  • Protective and Healing Formulations
    • Provides barrier protection for mild irritations, minor burns, or diaper rash
    • Helps in wound healing by forming protective coating and reducing secondary infections
  • Off-label / Clinically Accepted Uses
    • Minor abrasions, fissures, and inflamed areas prone to infection
    • Hyperkeratotic or weeping lesions requiring combined anti-inflammatory and protective action
Dosage & Administration
  • Topical Administration Only
    • Apply a thin layer 1–3 times daily to affected area
    • Duration: 7–14 days or as directed by a healthcare professional
    • For chronic or severe lesions, re-evaluate after 1–2 weeks
  • Special Populations
    • Use minimal effective quantity in children
    • Avoid application on broken or infected skin unless directed
  • Administration Instructions
    • Clean and dry affected area before application
    • Wash hands after application to avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

 

This combination therapy acts synergistically. Hydrocortisone acetate is a glucocorticoid that suppresses inflammation and immune responses by inhibiting cytokine production and leukocyte migration. Benzyl benzoate acts as a mild antipruritic and antiparasitic agent. Bismuth subgallate and bismuth oxide provide astringent, protective, and mild antiseptic effects. Balsam Peru promotes healing and reduces irritation, while zinc oxide forms a protective barrier, reduces moisture, and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these components reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation while protecting skin and promoting repair.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption via intact skin; increased absorption through damaged skin
  • Distribution: Limited systemic exposure; mainly local effect
  • Metabolism: Hydrocortisone acetate metabolized hepatically to active hydrocortisone; other components act locally
  • Excretion: Primarily renal for systemically absorbed hydrocortisone metabolites; other components excreted unchanged in feces if not absorbed
  • Onset: Hours for hydrocortisone anti-inflammatory effect; immediate for barrier protection by zinc oxide and bismuth compounds
  • Duration: Anti-inflammatory effects last 8–12 hours; protective effects persist until removed
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy: Topical use considered Category C; avoid large surface areas or prolonged use
  • Lactation: Limited data; use caution, particularly for application on breast area; systemic absorption may affect infant minimally
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary therapeutic class: Combination topical therapy
  • Subclass: Corticosteroid + protective barrier + mild astringent and antipruritic formulation
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, bismuth salts, balsam of Peru, zinc oxide, or benzyl benzoate
  • Open, infected wounds without professional supervision
  • Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction for systemic hydrocortisone absorption risk
Warnings & Precautions
  • High-risk groups: Pediatric, pregnant, lactating, or immunocompromised patients
  • Systemic absorption risk: Avoid prolonged use on large surface areas to prevent corticosteroid side effects
  • Allergic reactions: Balsam of Peru can cause contact dermatitis
  • Monitoring: Look for signs of skin thinning, irritation, secondary infections, or systemic corticosteroid effects
Side Effects
  • Common: Mild burning, stinging, or redness at application site
  • Dermatologic: Skin thinning, striae, acneiform eruptions, or hyperpigmentation with prolonged use
  • Allergic: Contact dermatitis, pruritus, or rash
  • Rare/Serious: Secondary skin infections due to immunosuppressive effect of hydrocortisone; systemic corticosteroid effects are rare with topical use
Drug Interactions
  • Other topical corticosteroids: Increased risk of local or systemic corticosteroid effects
  • Systemic CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers: Minimal interaction unless significant systemic absorption occurs
  • Avoid concurrent use of irritating topical agents on the same area unless directed
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • Emphasis on short-term topical use to reduce corticosteroid-associated skin atrophy
  • Updated labeling highlights risk of sensitization from Balsam of Peru and bismuth salts
  • Guidelines recommend avoiding occlusive dressings unless specifically advised, to prevent excessive absorption
  • Use in pediatric and pregnant populations should be limited to minimal effective area and duration
Storage Conditions
  • Store at 20°C to 25°C (room temperature)
  • Protect from light, moisture, and heat
  • Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children
  • Avoid freezing
  • Topical formulation: check for discoloration, separation, or contamination before use