Cleiton

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cleiton

Cleiton is the trade name for a pharmaceutical product containing the active substance Hydrocortisone. The medicine is categorically classified within the essential pharmacological class of corticosteroids, specifically identified as a glucocorticoid.


Property Description
Active ingredient Hydrocortisone
Form Topical Preparation (Cream, Ointment, Lotion)
Pharmacological class Corticosteroid / Glucocorticoid
General purpose Anti-inflammatory and Symptom Relief
Origin Naturally occurring compound, prepared pharmaceutically

What Type of Medicine is Cleiton?

The medicine belongs to the essential class of adrenocortical steroids used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. The active ingredient Hydrocortisone is chemically identical to the human body's natural stress hormone, cortisol. While structurally derived from a naturally occurring compound, the final product is manufactured as a therapeutic medicine to ensure consistent purity and stability. This classification establishes the drug's fundamental ability to modulate the body's defensive responses.

Composition and Form: What is Topical Hydrocortisone?

Cleiton is supplied as a topical preparation, typically a cream, ointment, or lotion, designed for direct topical route of administration to the skin. As a single active ingredient product, it relies solely on the actions of Hydrocortisone, which is suspended in an emulsion base or fatty-oil vehicle. This localized dosage form ensures the concentrated delivery of the drug precisely where it is applied, distinguishing it from forms intended for systemic use.

What is the General Purpose of this Glucocorticoid?

The primary purpose of applying this medicine is to utilize its core function as an anti-inflammatory agent to rapidly mitigate local inflammatory processes. This glucocorticoid action works to control the hyper-response of the immune system at the application site. Topical Hydrocortisone is used to alleviate localized irritation. The central benefit delivered is prompt symptom relief, aiming to diminish the uncomfortable, visible signs of inflammation, including local redness, swelling, and persistent itching.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH: U.S. National Library of Medicine

What side effects are possible with Cleiton?

The safety profile for this topical medicine is categorized based on the likelihood and nature of the reactions observed. The most frequently documented effects associated with application are generally localized and confined to the site of treatment.

Frequency Classification Examples of Adverse Reactions (Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders)
More Common Burning, itching, irritation, and dryness.
Frequency Not Known Skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), increased hair growth, and temporary discoloration (hypopigmentation).

The serious safety considerations for this medication primarily involve the potential for systemic absorption through the skin. Prolonged use, especially over large areas or under occlusive dressings, can lead to suppression of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis or features resembling Cushing's syndrome (Endocrine Disorders). Ophthalmic complications, including cataracts and glaucoma, are also documented risks, particularly when the medicine is used near the eyes.

Regulatory documents note specific considerations for pediatric patients, who demonstrate greater susceptibility to systemic adverse effects (HPA axis suppression) due to their higher ratio of skin surface area to body weight. Furthermore, the label includes documentation of Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, characterized by symptoms like intense burning and redness, which may occur upon abrupt cessation after extended treatment. The medicine is generally restricted from use in the presence of certain untreated infections.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with topical hydrocortisone is primarily related to the potential for systemic absorption following prolonged or excessive use, particularly over large body areas or under occlusive dressings. This extensive exposure may lead to Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, which is the core regulatory concern.

Officially documented manifestations of systemic glucocorticoid excess include clinical signs consistent with Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. A severe risk is the development of adrenal insufficiency if the medication is abruptly withdrawn after prolonged exposure.

Regulatory documentation highlights that pediatric patients are at a greater risk for systemic effects and HPA axis suppression due to their higher skin surface area-to-body mass ratio. Periodic evaluation for HPA axis suppression, often involving testing for low plasma cortisol levels, is officially advised for patients at risk.

Emergency Action is Mandatory

Immediate medical attention is required for two main scenarios as defined by government sources:

  • Acute Ingestion: Contact Poison Control or emergency services immediately if the topical medicine is swallowed.
  • Life-Threatening Symptoms: Seek urgent medical help immediately if the individual experiences severe systemic symptoms such as a seizure, collapse, or trouble breathing.

In cases of overdose, no specific antidote is available; management is focused on providing symptomatic and supportive treatment and the gradual withdrawal of the product.

Therapeutic Uses of Cleiton

What Cleiton Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The medicine's purpose is to provide symptomatic relief and supportive management for a range of localized inflammatory skin conditions. This medication is a corticosteroid used for easing the symptoms related to physical discomfort associated with various dermatoses.


Cleiton is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute or episodic changes, particularly those arising from inflammatory dermatoses such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), various forms of dermatitis, and symptoms associated with mild psoriasis. It is applied when supportive symptom management is appropriate to ease the overall symptom load and manage noticeable physiological strain.

The medication is relevant for managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, focusing on pronounced symptoms like localized pruritus (itching), redness, and discomfort. This supports symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes, such as reactions to insect bites or contact with allergens.

“This supports symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.”

Quick Fact: Supports Management of Inflammation and Itching

It is commonly used in clinical scenarios where symptoms interfere with routine activities, assisting with maintaining functional stability and contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Non-Eligibility for Cleiton

Official regulatory documents define the patient population eligible to use a drug by specifying formal contraindications and establishing rules for use in specific populations. This structure precisely outlines who may be prescribed the medicine and who must not receive it.

Category Regulatory Eligibility Status
Contraindicated Populations Individuals with known Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to Cleiton or any component of the formulation are strictly prohibited from use.
Age-Related Restrictions Use in the Pediatric Population (patients under 18 years of age) is typically not established unless explicit safety and efficacy data are documented and approved.
Organ Function Restrictions Patients with severe Hepatic Impairment (liver function decline) or severe Renal Impairment (kidney function decline) are populations where use is restricted or not recommended due to altered drug clearance and potential accumulation.
Pregnancy/Lactation Status The drug may be formally contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if official data demonstrate a risk of harm to the fetus or infant that clearly outweighs any potential benefit.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Cleiton, a topical medicine containing Hydrocortisone, has a low risk of drug-drug interactions when used as directed due to minimal systemic absorption. Official regulatory documentation focuses on two main interaction domains related to the potential for systemic effects when absorption is increased (e.g., prolonged use or use over large skin areas).


Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Interacting Substances/Conditions Regulatory Statement
Pharmacodynamic Risk Potassium-Depleting Agents (e.g., certain diuretics, Amphotericin B injection) Concurrent use may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium) if systemic absorption of Hydrocortisone occurs.
Exposure Modification Other Corticosteroid Products Co-administration may lead to additive systemic corticosteroid exposure, increasing the potential for systemic effects.
Absorption Constraint Occlusive Dressings, Large Surface Area Use These factors are officially documented to increase systemic absorption, which in turn heightens the potential for systemic interactions.

Population-Specific Considerations

The risk of interactions is noted to be higher in certain patient groups.

  • Pediatric Patients are at a greater risk of systemic absorption and related interactions due to their higher skin surface area-to-body mass ratio.
  • Patients with Liver Failure are noted as a predisposing factor for increased systemic absorption and the subsequent risk of systemic interactions.

Mechanism of Action

Modulation of Nerve Cell Electrical Activity

Cleiton's primary action involves acting as a use-dependent modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels ( Na v). The drug selectively binds to and stabilizes the inactivated state of these channels, which are essential for the initiation and propagation of electrical signals in nerve cells. This interaction physically limits the rapid influx of sodium ions ( Na^+) into the cell, which constitutes the rising phase of the action potential. The resulting molecular cascade is the suppression of high-frequency, abnormal electrical discharges within the affected neurons.


Influence on Neuronal Hyperexcitability

This mechanism results in the modulation of signaling patterns across neuronal circuits. By targeting the sodium channels preferentially during periods of rapid firing, Cleiton alters the spread of signals in overactive nerve pathways. This action results in a reduction in overall neuronal hyperexcitability, promoting a shift toward a more regulated state of electrical activity throughout both central and peripheral nerve pathways. The core consequence is a change in the temporal pattern and frequency of nerve impulses.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Cleiton is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

The administration of Cleiton (Topical Hydrocortisone) is based on established guidelines to ensure the proper use of this corticosteroid.


Approved Route and Dosing

Administration Detail Official Requirement
Route of Administration Topical (Direct application to the skin)
Dosing Schedule Apply a thin film over the entire affected area and gently rub into the skin.
Frequency Typically applied two to four times daily, with reduction advised as the condition improves.
Course Duration Use should be limited to short courses; continuous application is generally restricted to 7 days for certain uses.

Application and Procedural Rules

Specific procedural steps are outlined for use:

  1. Preparation: Liquid forms (lotion/solution) must be shaken well before use to ensure the active ingredient is evenly distributed.
  2. Hygiene: Hands must be washed thoroughly before and immediately after applying the medicine, unless the treatment area is the hands themselves.
  3. Occlusion Restriction: The treated area must not be covered with a tight bandage, occlusive dressing, or plastic pants (for infants), as this may increase the absorption of the medicine.
  4. Age-Specific Use: For pediatric patients, the medicine should be used for the shortest possible duration, and long-term continuous therapy must be avoided.

These instructions define a precise protocol for external use and are intended to standardize the application technique and minimize the duration of treatment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Cleiton (Topical Hydrocortisone)


Evidence for Use in Atopic Dermatitis and Inflammatory Dermatoses

The research base for topical hydrocortisone, used for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like eczema (atopic dermatitis), is characterized by a large volume of research. This medicine was studied for its application in conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms. Researchers have conducted numerous short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and subsequent large Systematic Reviews exploring its application in inflammatory skin issues. These studies typically examined short-term symptom changes in adults and children with mild to moderate disease severity. The trials monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as changes in standardized scales for disease severity and patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, like the intensity of itching.

Studies conducted during periods of increased symptom activity reported measurements showing patterns where symptoms evolved in the observed populations during the short treatment course (typically 2 to 4 weeks). The findings describe patterns observed in the studies regarding how symptoms evolved when compared to participants receiving the vehicle alone in the research context.


Evidence for Use in Localized Pruritus and Acute Skin Reactions

Research has also explored the use of topical hydrocortisone for application in localized, acute or disruptive episodes, such as severe itching (pruritus) in a confined area, or outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity resulting from minor irritations like insect bites. For localized pruritus, the research includes smaller, targeted Randomized Controlled Trials where researchers examined its application over short, defined time intervals.

For symptomatic management of minor, acute irritations, dedicated, large-scale studies are sparse. Research exploring its utility relied on pharmacological studies assessing its established pharmacological properties and interpretations derived from the established research data for chronic inflammatory dermatoses. These studies and regulatory practice contribute to understanding the evidence describing the short-term symptom changes that studies monitored.


What Remains Less Clear in the Research Landscape

Although many studies exist, the weight of evidence varies across studies due to the different forms and potencies of the medicine that were observed in the research. The short-term focus of many trials means long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding continuous application. Sample sizes were modest in some targeted trials, meaning those results apply only to the populations studied.

Research has explored its use in pediatric populations and examined children within the mild to moderate disease severity groups. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for very young infants or older adults. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking or subgroup findings are uncertain for specific comorbid conditions that may influence skin symptoms.

Key Studies & References

  1. Topical Corticosteroids (StatPearls - authoritative reference summarizing evidence and indications)
  2. Hydrocortisone Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information (Authoritative patient information based on regulatory data)
  3. Hydrocortisone Cream USP 1%, 2.5% (DailyMed FDA Labeling/Monograph for general prescription use)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cleiton (FAQ)


Q: Is Cleiton known to cause weight changes?

Weight change, such as weight gain in the face or upper back, may be an indication of systemic absorption. Official warnings describe that excessive systemic absorption can lead to features resembling Cushing's syndrome. This systemic effect is associated with this class of medication and is a risk factor noted in the official prescribing information.

Q: Are there different strengths or forms of Cleiton available?

Cleiton is supplied in multiple topical preparations, including creams, ointments, and lotions, which are designed for application to the skin. Regulatory documents indicate that the medicine is available in different strengths, such as lower concentrations that may be available over-the-counter and stronger concentrations that require a prescription.

Q: Can women who are planning to become pregnant use Cleiton?

Official warnings state that consulting a healthcare professional is necessary if a woman is planning to become pregnant. This is because the regulatory guidance indicates the potential benefit of using the medicine must be determined to justify any potential risk to the developing fetus.

Q: If I feel better, should I stop taking Cleiton?

Official documents, such as the product label for certain preparations, describe that use of the medicine may be discontinued once control of the condition is achieved. The proper protocol for stopping treatment involves aligning the final actions with the original prescribed course duration.

Q: What happens if I accidentally take too much Cleiton?

Applying too much Cleiton, or applying it more often than advised, increases the risk of systemic absorption through the skin. This can lead to serious adverse effects related to the medicine's effect on the adrenal glands, such as HPA axis suppression (a disorder of the hormone regulatory system) and features resembling Cushing's syndrome.

Q: Is Cleiton used for treating things other than what is listed in the main description?

Regulatory documents state that the use of Cleiton for any disorder other than the one for which it was prescribed or officially indicated is discouraged. This guidance is based on the fact that the regulatory documentation only covers the safety and use for the approved indications.

Q: Is Cleiton considered a controlled substance?

The medicine is not classified as a controlled substance by official regulatory bodies. This status reflects that the medicine does not meet the regulatory criteria for having a potential for abuse or dependence that would warrant scheduled control.

Q: What kind of monitoring or lab tests are recommended while taking Cleiton?

Patients receiving extensive topical treatment with this type of medicine may be periodically evaluated for systemic effects. According to official information, monitoring for suppression of the HPA axis (a hormone regulatory system) is carried out using tests such as the urinary free cortisol test and the ACTH stimulation test.

Q: Does taking Cleiton at a specific time of day make a difference?

Official directions for use indicate that the medicine is to be applied at around the same time(s) every day. Consistency in the application schedule is a part of the official use directions.

Q: Is it true that Cleiton can cause mood changes?

Behavioral and mood changes are listed side effects for the systemic form of hydrocortisone. The official documents describe the risk of systemic absorption of the topical product, and such effects are linked to the systemic profile of this medicine.

Q: Can Cleiton make certain underlying conditions worse?

Official warnings describe that the use of Cleiton in the presence of certain untreated skin infections requires cautious consideration. Additionally, patient populations with pre-existing conditions that may be affected by systemic steroids, such as glaucoma/cataracts or liver disease, are noted in the official label.

Q: Can I take Cleiton if I have a heart condition?

Systemic absorption of the medicine may affect conditions related to fluid balance. Official warnings describe that the potential for effects such as fluid retention, hypertension, or congestive heart failure means warnings are in place for patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Q: Is a headache a common side effect of Cleiton?

Headaches have been reported in pediatric patients as a potential manifestation of intracranial hypertension. This is linked to systemic absorption and is noted in the serious adverse effects section of the product information, not as a common side effect of the topical preparation.

Q: Can I get Cleiton without a prescription?

The regulatory status of Cleiton depends on its strength. Lower concentrations are commonly available as over-the-counter (OTC) preparations, while higher strengths are classified as prescription-only (Rx-only) preparations.

Q: Does Cleiton affect fertility?

The official nonclinical toxicology sections state that long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the effect of topical corticosteroids on fertility. Regulatory documents, therefore, indicate there is no official data available on this topic.

How should Cleiton be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cleiton

Storage and disposal requirements for Cleiton (Topical Hydrocortisone) are strictly regulated to maintain the product's integrity and ensure safety.


Official Storage Conditions

Requirement Regulatory Statement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (CRT), typically 20 °C to 25 °C.
Protection Do not freeze and avoid excessive heat (above 40 °C).
Container Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture.

Handling and Disposal

Storage must be out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. When the product is expired or unused, it must be disposed of properly. The preferred method is using a drug take-back program or authorized collection site. Do not flush the product down the toilet or pour it down the sink; follow all local regulations for pharmaceutical waste disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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