Proprietary hydrocortisone creams. Vasoconstrictor activities and bio-availabilities of six preparations.

Six proprietary hydrocortisone creams were evaluated for vasoconstrictor activities and bio-availabilities using an occluded blanching test. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the formulations. Dioderm, containing 0-1% hydrocortisone, was significantly more active than the 1% hydrocortisone creams--Alphaderm, Calmurid HC, Efcortelan and Vioform-Hydrocortisone. There was no significant difference between Dioderm and Dioderm C. Unlike creams containing more potent corticosteroids the hydrocortisone formulations apparently failed to produce steroid reservoirs in the stratum corneum as assessed by the blanching response.