It treats inflammatory skin conditions (eczema dermatitis psoriasis) hemorrhoidsanal pruritus (as suppositoriesfoams) rheumatoid arthritisosteoarthritis symptoms and adrenal insufficiency as a topical rectal or injectable corticosteroid.

Its primary purpose is mild anti-inflammatory anti-allergic and immunosuppressive action via glucocorticoid receptor binding reducing prostaglandinsleukotrienes while minimizing systemic effects due to acetate hydrolysis in skin.

Hydrocortisone acetate (C23H32O6) also known as cortisol 21-acetate Cortef acetate Cortell Lanacort or Hydrocortistab is a white to off-white crystalline powder glucocorticoid featuring an acetate ester at the 21-position of hydrocortisone with molecular weight 404.5 gmol melting point 222225C (decomposes) density 1.29 gcm and poor water solubility but soluble in ethanolacetone.