Topical mild steroid + tetracycline antibacterial

Hydrocortisone with oxytetracycline

Brand names: Terra-Cortril

This combination preparation contains the mild corticosteroid hydrocortisone with the tetracycline antibiotic oxytetracycline, used topically for inflammatory skin conditions with secondary bacterial infection.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Hydrocortisone reduces local inflammation via glucocorticoid receptors, while oxytetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 30S ribosomal subunit.

Prescribing in practice

Limit to short-term use for infected inflammatory dermatoses to avoid steroid atrophy and reduce antibiotic resistance; it is not appropriate for inflammation without infection.
Be aware the preparation may stain skin or clothing.
Avoid prolonged or repeated application on the face and flexures.

Monitoring

Review the treated area for resolution of infection and inflammation and step down once it has settled.

Counselling the patient

Apply thinly to the affected area for the short course only.
The preparation may stain fabrics, so take care with clothing and bedding.
Return if the condition spreads or fails to improve.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical steroid-antibiotic combinations are reserved for inflammatory skin disease with secondary infection in line with standard prescribing references.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways