Pandel Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Pandel Cream (hydrocortisone probutate) is a prescription topical corticosteroid used to relieve inflammation and itching from certain corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions in adults. It works by calming the skin's inflammatory response and is applied as a thin layer to the affected area, usually once or twice daily. As with other topical steroids, it carries risks of skin-related side effects and, with excessive or prolonged use, broader systemic effects.

What is Pandel Cream

Pandel is a prescription steroid cream applied to the skin. It is used to calm inflammation and itching from certain skin conditions that respond to steroid treatment.

Pandel Cream uses

• Relief of inflammation and itching (pruritus) caused by corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, allergic reactions, and psoriasis in people 18 years and older

Benefits of Pandel Cream

• Reduces swelling, itching, and redness in affected skin
• Medium-strength steroid that calms inflamed, itchy skin conditions

How Pandel Cream works

Pandel is a steroid that affects how skin cells signal each other and how the immune system responds, which helps reduce inflammation. The exact way it works for skin conditions is not fully known.

Pandel Cream dosage

For use on the skin only; do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after applying, unless you are treating a hand condition. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently until it disappears. Do not apply over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or wrap unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use on the face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the diaper area or with plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Shake lotion or spray forms well just before each use. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth; rinse with water if contact occurs.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for about 1 to 2 weeks, or if they get worse or come back. Use only for the condition it was prescribed for and do not use it longer than prescribed. Children may absorb more of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream

Side effects of Pandel Cream

Common

• Skin redness, itching, stinging, rash
• Redness or crusting around hair follicles
• Burning, dryness, or other irritation of treated skin
• Rash, redness, itching, or irritation around the mouth
• Appearance and color changes in treated skin
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain
• Acne or pimples
• Stretch marks (striae)

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Worsening of the skin condition being treated
• Pain, tenderness, headache
• Blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights
• Signs of high blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor
• Signs of increased adrenal gland hormones: hunger, weight gain, swelling, skin discoloration, slow wound healing, sweating, acne, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, muscle weakness, missed periods, sexual changes
• Thinning of the skin with easy bruising
• Signs of skin infection: swelling, redness, warmth, oozing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Pandel if you are allergic to it or to other corticosteroids.
• Tell your doctor about past skin infections, skin reactions to steroids, cataracts or glaucoma, thin skin where you'll apply it, adrenal gland problems, or liver disease before using this medicine.
• This medicine can be absorbed through the skin and cause adrenal gland problems, especially with long-term use, use over large areas, use with other steroid products, covering the treated area, or if you have liver failure.
• Using too much or for too long can raise the risk of adrenal gland problems, especially in children and people using large amounts for a long time.
• Do not use this medicine on a skin condition that hasn't been checked by your doctor, and avoid using other medicines on the treated area unless your doctor says it's okay.
• Avoid using on the face, underarms, or groin unless your doctor directs you to.
• Children may be more likely to have side effects, including slowed growth, because they absorb more of the medicine through their skin.
• Do not use this medicine to treat diaper rash, and don't use it with plastic pants or tight diapers.
• For external skin use only; avoid contact with the eyes and do not use near or around the eyes.
• Adults 18 years and older only; safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
• Do not use occlusive dressings or tightly cover the treated area unless specifically directed by a doctor.
• Avoid applying to large areas of skin or using it for prolonged periods.
• Stop treatment when the skin condition is controlled. If there is no improvement within 2 weeks, the diagnosis should be reassessed.
• Avoid use on thin or atrophic skin unless specifically prescribed.
• Tell your doctor if you have adrenal gland problems, liver problems, or diabetes.
• Excessive or prolonged use can increase absorption and may cause HPA-axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, increased blood glucose, or other systemic corticosteroid effects.
• Pregnancy: It is not known if Pandel will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and only use it if your doctor decides the benefit is worth the risk.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if Pandel passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding, and if you do use it while breastfeeding, apply it to the smallest area for the shortest time possible and clean the treated skin before nursing.
• Liver: Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, since liver failure can make it more likely for this medicine to affect your hormone system.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Store the foam canister away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away for signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if your skin condition gets worse, or if you have pain, tenderness, or headache.
• Call your doctor right away for eye symptoms like blurred vision, eye pain or redness, or seeing halos around lights.
• Call your doctor right away for signs of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, or fruity breath odor.
• Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms: blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.
• Seek emergency medical attention if anyone accidentally swallows the medicine.
• Get medical help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching or swelling especially of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Alternatives

• Hydrocortisone 1% Cream
• Desonide 0.05% Cream
• Fluocinolone acetonide Cream