Virbac Cortavance Topical Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Pruritic Cutaneous Spray (Hydrocortisone Aceponate 0.584 mg/ml) for Dogs & Cats (76ml Dispenser Bottle)

Active Pharmaceutical Matrix & Pharmacological Actions

Active Substance / ExcipientConcentrationPharmacological ClassDermatological Mode of Action & Clinical BenefitHydrocortisone Aceponate (HCA)0.584 mg / mlTopical Diester GlucocorticoidHighly lipophilic steroid; concentrates in the lipid-rich stratum corneum to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes with negligible systemic endocrine impact.Volatile Spray Excipient BaseBase q.s. to 1 mlFast-Evaporating Alcohol/Ester VehiclePromotes rapid trans-epidermal penetration of HCA while evaporating swiftly without leaving oily residues on hair coats.

Clinical Dermatological Indications

• Symptomatic treatment of inflammatory and pruritic dermatoses in dogs and cats.

• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) hot spots, groin erythema, and tail-base flare-ups.

• Canine and feline atopic dermatitis lesions (paw-licking, axillary redness, ventral abdomen inflammation).

• Acute moist dermatitis ("hot spots") secondary to self-trauma.

• Contact dermatitis, insect bite reactions, and localized allergic rashes.

Comparison: Virbac Cortavance Spray vs. Oral Steroids (Prednisolone)

Clinical ParameterVirbac Cortavance Topical SprayOral Systemic Corticosteroids (Prednisolone)Route of AdministrationTopical cutaneous spray (local action)Oral systemic tablet / liquidTarget AreaSpecifically localized inflamed skin patchesSystem-wide distributionSystemic Side EffectsExtremely low risk of polyuria, polydipsia, or polyphagiaCommon risk of increased thirst, urination, appetite, and pantingAdrenal Axis ImpactNegligible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppressionMeasurable suppression of endogenous adrenal cortisol productionEase of AdministrationSimple spray onto lesion without pill strugglesRequires coaxing pets to swallow pills daily

Directions for Use & Application Protocol

For cutaneous topical use only under direct veterinary supervision:

• Standard Dosage: Administer 2 pump depressions per surface area equivalent to a 10 cm x 10 cm square (approx. 1.52 μg HCA/cm² of skin).

• Application Technique:

  1. Part the hair coat slightly over the affected area to ensure the spray reaches the skin surface directly.

  2. Hold the spray nozzle approximately 10 to 15 cm away from the skin surface.

  3. Depress the pump firmly to mist the affected patch evenly.

  4. Allow the area to air dry naturally for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not rub in, and do not rinse.

  5. Prevent the pet from licking the treated site for 5 minutes until fully dry (an Elizabethan cone collar or brief distracting treat/play session works well).

• Treatment Frequency & Duration:

  • Apply once daily (or as advised by your veterinarian for acute flares) for 7 consecutive days.

  • If clinical improvement requires extended therapy, continue under veterinary reassessment (up to a maximum of 14 to 28 consecutive days).

Product Specifications

ParameterDetailsBrandVirbac Animal Health India Pvt. Ltd. (Virbac S.A., France)Product Trade NameCortavance Cutaneous SprayProduct ClassificationPrescription Veterinary Dermatological Topical SteroidActive CompositionHydrocortisone Aceponate (0.584 mg/ml)Dosage FormCutaneous Metered Solution SprayPackaging Unit76 ml Dispenser Bottle (approx. 500 pump activations)Target SpeciesDogs and Cats across all life stagesTherapeutic ClassTopical Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Pruritic DermatologicalPrescription StatusSchedule H / Veterinary Prescription Product (Rx required)

Safety Warnings, Precautions & Contraindications

• External Topical Use Only: For animal skin application only. Avoid spraying directly into eyes, nostrils, or mouth.

• Ocular Warning: If accidental mist enters the eyes, immediately flush with copious running lukewarm water.

• Cutaneous Ulcerations & Infection Warning: Do not apply directly to deep open ulcerated wounds or actively weeping fungal ringworm lesions without concurrent antimicrobial/antifungal cover (such as Virbac Ketochlor). Corticosteroids can suppress local healing if applied over severe untreated infections.

• Feline Grooming Note: Cats are fastidious groomers; supervise closely for several minutes post-spray to prevent immediate licking of wet alcohol vehicle.

• Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight and open flames (flammable spray base). Do not freeze. Keep strictly out of reach of children and domestic animals.