Efficort Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Efficort is a potent corticosteroid (class II) according to the European classification.
It acts on certain inflammatory and allergic processes occurring in the course of atopic and/or contact dermatitis and on pruriginous effects linked to these processes. It has a vasoconstrictor (anti-exudative) activity and it inhibits cellular replication and the synthesis processes in the dermis and epidermis.
Pharmacokinetics: Systemic absorption measured in terms of the effect on blood cortisol levels occurs after cutaneous application of Efficort.
The extent of absorption and of systemic effects depends on the area treated and the condition of the epidermis, the duration of the treatment: the more the treatment is prolonged, the greater the likelihood of these effects is, the site of application, the use of occlusive dressings.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: In animal studies, hydrocortisone aceponate was well tolerated on cutaneous application for periods of up to six months in rats and rabbits. The major symptoms of toxicity found in all animal species by systemic routes of administration were related to adrenocorticosteroid effects, and included alterations of the pituitary-adrenal axis, and a slight anemia. Principal organs of toxicity were the stomach, liver, adrenal, pituitary, lungs and spleen. In the cutaneous route studies hydrocortisone aceponate the majority of these findings were either absent or considerably reduced in magnitude.