Hydrocortisone aceponate

Hydrocortisone aceponate is a synthetic corticosteroid diester used primarily in veterinary medicine for the topical treatment of inflammatory and pruritic skin conditions (dermatoses) in animals, especially dogs. It is an ester of hydrocortisone (cortisol) with acetic acid and propionic acid, which increases its lipophilicity and enhances skin penetration as well as local retention. The drug acts by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor; the receptor-ligand complex then translocates to the nucleus where it modulates gene expression, leading to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. This includes inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity (reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis), suppression of cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1/COX-2, decreased vasodilation/capillary permeability, reduced leukocyte migration, and increased production of anti-inflammatory proteins such as lipocortin-1. Hydrocortisone aceponate is approved for veterinary use in the European Union for atopic dermatitis and acute otitis externa in dogs. Developed by Ecuphar.

Brand names

CortavanceEasotic

Other names

hydrocortisone 17-propionate 21-acetatehydrocortisone17-propionate 21-acetatehydrocortisone-17-propionate 21-acetatehydrocortisone aceponate 0.127%