Composition :
MHC cream : Each gram cream contains Miconazole Nitrate BP 20 mg &
Hydrocortisone BP 10 mg.
Pharmacology :
MHC cream is a combination of Miconazole Nitrate & Hydrocortisone. Miconazole
Nitrate is an imidazole antifungal agent and possesses antibacterial activity. At low
concentrations, it interacts with fungal cytochrome P 450 which results in inhibition of a
demethylation step in the biosynthesis of ergosterol. At high concentrations,
Miconazole interacts with membrane lipids causing direct membrane damage which
results in leakage of fungus cell constituents. It appears that fungistatic effects result
from the inhibition of membrane sterol synthesis and fungicidal effects from
impairment of the barrier function of the membrane.
Hydrocortisone is a naturally occuring glucocorticoid that is now prepared by chemical
synthesis and its main action is to reduce the response of the skin to injury (i.e. anti-
inflammatory). It also has immunosuppressant and antimitotic actions.
The anti-inflammatory activity of Hydrocortisone is its main therapeutic property. This
is thought to be mediated by the reduction in formation, release and action of the
various vasoactive chemicals released during inflammation-kinins, histamine, lysosomal
enzymes, prostaglandins and the complement system. Steroids decrease membrane
permeability and bind to tissue receptors. They also induce vasoconstriction, by
reducing vascular permeability and reversing vascular dilatation which in turn
decreases serum extravasation, swelling and discomfort, including itching. Thus, they
effectively reduce cellular access to inflammed sites.