INN monograph
Hydrocortisone eye drops
Corticosteroid · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Corticosteroid)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections (untreated) for systemic steroids.
- Live vaccines with significant immunosuppression.
- Hypersensitivity.
- Topical: untreated skin infection at site (relative).
Precautions
- Shortest course, lowest dose.
- Taper after prolonged systemic use.
- Infection risk, hyperglycaemia, BP rise, mood changes, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, glaucoma/cataract.
- Adrenal insufficiency on withdrawal.
- Stress-dose cover if indicated.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Adults and Children: 2 or 3 drops two or three hourly.
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Fluid retention/hypertension — care in renal disease.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Prednisone needs hepatic activation to prednisolone.
Safety
Drug interactions
- The indiscriminate prescription of steroid for undiagnosed "Red eye" should be avoided as this may be caused by Herpes Simplex virus.
- The condition is aggravated by steroids.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Secondary glaucoma, defects in visual acuity and visual field, cataract formation after prolonged use, coneal ulceration on prolonged use, coneal perforation in presence of diseases that causes corneal thinning, delay wound healing, development and spreading of bacterial/ viral / bacterial infections.
Use
Indications
- Therapeutic use is agent- and indication-specific within the class (Corticosteroid).
- Use according to culture results, national guidelines (Kenya STG/EML where applicable) and the current product SmPC.
- Steroid responsive ocular inflammation
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Corticosteroids bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory cytokines, inhibit phospholipase A2 via lipocortins, reduce leukocyte migration and stabilise membranes — potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Full mechanism text
Corticosteroids bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory cytokines, inhibit phospholipase A2 via lipocortins, reduce leukocyte migration and stabilise membranes — potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Mineralocorticoid activity varies by agent.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Hours–days |
|---|---|
| Duration | Agent and route dependent |
| Route | ORAL / IV / IM / INHALED / TOPICAL / NASAL / OPHTHALMIC |
Full PK/PD text
Systemic agents: good absorption, hepatic metabolism, variable half-lives (dexamethasone long). Inhaled/topical: designed to minimise systemic exposure but high-dose/long duration still risks adrenal suppression.
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone eye drops | Distributed by Medisel (K) Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Ivysone | Ivee Aqua EPZ Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Used when maternal benefit clear; prefer agents with better obstetric data (e.g. prednisolone). Document risk–benefit.
Lactation
Low-dose systemic often compatible; time feeds if high dose — agent-specific.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Corticosteroid)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.