Pharmacotherapeutic group: Corticosteroids, dermatological preparations.
ATCvet code: QD07AC16.
Pharmacodynamic properties
The veterinary medicinal product contains the active substance hydrocortisone aceponate.
Hydrocortisone aceponate is a dermocorticoid with a potent intrinsic glucocorticoid activity which means a relief of both inflammation and pruritus leading to a quick improvement of skin lesions observed in case of inflammatory and pruritic dermatosis. In case of atopic dermatitis, improvement will be slower.
Pharmacokinetic properties
HCA belongs to the diesters class of the glucocorticosteroids.
The diesters are lipophilic components ensuring an enhanced penetration into the skin associated to a low plasma availability. HCA thus accumulates in the dog’s skin allowing local efficacy at low dosage. The diesters are transformed inside the skin structures. This transformation is responsible for the potency of the therapeutic class. In laboratory animals, hydrocortisone aceponate is eliminated the same way as hydrocortisone (other name for endogenous cortisol) through urine and faeces.
Topical application of diesters results in high therapeutic index: high local activity with reduced systemic secondary effects.