Combination of a topical corticosteroid and an antihistamine. The JP monograph establishes formula and identity, not combination efficacy, age limits or dosing. [1], [2]
SpecificationsDocumented in source
Nominal hydrocortisone acetate 0.5% w/w and diphenhydramine base 0.5% w/w. White–pale-yellow appearance and positive identification. No numerical finished-product assay limits are specified. [1]
Compounding methodEditorial procedure for local review
JP refers to the general Ointments method. Practical implementation: weigh hydrocortisone acetate and diphenhydramine base. Triturate hydrocortisone acetate with a small portion of petrolatum, incorporate diphenhydramine base and progressively add petrolatum to 1000 g. Homogenise cold with light protection, following PA015 handling information for the corticosteroid. Check uniformity and package. [1], [2]
Quality controlDocumented in source
Identify hydrocortisone acetate using the JP colour/fluorescence reaction and diphenhydramine by bromophenol blue after extraction. TLC at 254 nm must show two spots matching the respective reference standards. Use JP p. 1115 for extraction, reagents and development. Also check homogeneity and absence of aggregates.
Record the method, acceptance criterion, actual result and reviewer separately in F-005. A critical specification failure requires quarantine and investigation under SOP-015; retesting needs justification. [1], [13]
Container and packagingDocumented in source
JP specifies a tight, light-resistant container. Select a tube/jar material compatible with the fatty base. [1]
StoragePartial evidence
Tight container, protected from light.
For a general-rule duration, also apply the temperature of the selected BUD category. The source does not support arbitrary temperature changes. [1], [9]
Risk assessmentEditorial checklist
Two low-concentration actives require accurate weighing and uniform distribution. The first 5 g is the acetate ester; the second 5 g is free base. Do not substitute other chemical forms mass-for-mass.
Reference batch: 1000 g. First ingredient: Hydrocortisone acetate JP, 5 g. Independently check chemical form, units and every scale conversion before weighing.
Check uniform active distribution and absence of aggregates after cooling. Overheating, water ingress or a changed base alter the preparation; record actual yield and transfer losses.
For the local assessment record quantity per preparation, work frequency, duration of open handling, potential exposure routes and effectiveness of controls. These are assessment inputs; no fictitious final risk score is assigned.
Release checkpoint: inspect aggregates, crystals, local texture differences and free liquid after completing the method. Record mixing geometry, batch size and actual temperatures; copying rpm to another mixer does not establish process equivalence. [1], [11], [13]
ObservationsPartial evidence
Official source title: Hydrocortisone and Diphenhydramine Ointment. The working title and formula identify the exact chemical form of each active. [1]
LightPartial evidence
Hydrocortisone acetate is light-sensitive; limit exposure during preparation.
Diphenhydramine: JP requires light protection for the raw material. [2], [4]
Air and oxidationPartial evidence
Diphenhydramine base: JP specifies an almost well-filled tight container protected from light. [4]
Water and solubilityPartial evidence
White Petrolatum: JP classifies the corresponding pure raw material as practically insoluble in water.
Diphenhydramine: JP classifies the corresponding pure raw material as very slightly soluble in water.
Hydrocortisone Acetate: JP classifies the corresponding pure raw material as practically insoluble in water. [3], [4], [5]
HumidityPartial evidence
Hydrocortisone acetate: use low ambient humidity as specified in PA015. [2]
TemperatureNot specified in the reviewed source
No permitted temperature excursion or freeze–thaw cycle is established. Processing and storage temperatures are stated in their respective fields. [1]
pH and compatibilityNot specified in the reviewed source
No finished-product pH range is specified. Do not add a pH adjuster without a supported formula change. [1]
Other interactionsNot specified in the reviewed source
No complete compatibility test with added actives or alternative excipients is provided. Substitutions require separate evidence. [1]
Ingredient-specific informationPartial evidence
White Petrolatum: raw-material water solubility is classified as practically insoluble by JP.
Diphenhydramine: raw-material water solubility is classified as very slightly soluble by JP. Protect the raw material from light.
Hydrocortisone Acetate: raw-material water solubility is classified as practically insoluble by JP. [3], [4], [5]
Compounding conditionsPartial evidence
For topical preparations, incorporate hydrocortisone acetate cold, dissolved or finely powdered, into the prepared base. [2]
Staff protectionPartial evidence
Clean long-sleeved laboratory clothing, hair covering and gloves during handling; change gloves after contamination or damage. [6], [7]
BUD rationaleGeneral framework, subject to conditions
No specific experimental period was located covering the complete exact formulation, container and microbiological suitability.
Selected general rule: up to 180 days at 20–25 °C for a solid or nonaqueous nonoral-liquid form with supported aw <0.6. Initial quality/moisture, exclusion of water ingress and physical suitability must support this category.
Use-by date = the earliest allowed date from preparation plus selected period, ingredient expiries and any shorter supported limit. In-use dating never extends overall BUD. Complete the actual date for the batch after the required checks.
A default is a conservative dating limit, not experimental proof of batch stability. Its category depends on final composition, preservation and permitted temperatures. Water percentage or loss on drying does not determine aw. Document using SOP-014/F-006; use SOP-017/F-012 for specific aw evidence. [1], [10], [12]
PrerequisitesDocumented in source
No separately registered base is required. Any commercial vehicle remains the exact named product in the formula table. [1]
EquipmentEditorial checklist
Balance with suitable minimum weight, mortar/pestle or homogeniser, mixing vessels, spatulas, thermometer for heated processes and volumetric equipment for mL quantities. [1]
LabellingEditorial specimen
Hydrocortisone Acetate 0.5% and Diphenhydramine Base 0.5% Ointment JP
External use
Quantity: ____ Batch: ____
Prepared: ____ Use by: ____
Patient / dose / frequency: ____
Storage: Tight container, protected from light.
Temperature for this batch BUD: ____ [1]
DispensingPartial evidence
Emollient residues on clothing, dressings or bedding accelerate fabric ignition. Avoid smoking and naked flames during use. [8]
Independent Greek/English adaptation and organisation of facts from the cited source. This is not an official translation or publisher endorsement.
Illinois IDFPR — Nonsterile Compounding Self-Inspection ReportPublic checklist, retrieved 12 September 2026pp. 15–16, Establishing beyond-use datesPublic regulatory implementation of USP <795>; not Greek law; general limits and requirements for extension2026-09-12
Use with the complete monograph. Complete lot and actual-quantity columns in the laboratory. The ≈ symbol denotes arithmetic rounding, not balance accuracy.