Hydrocortisone
Description
Hydrocortisone is similar to a natural hormone produced in the body which affects many functions in the body. It is used to relieve swelling and pain associated with conditions like arthritis, severe allergies, eczema, psoriasis, etc. It is also used to treat the deficiency of steroidal hormones in the body. It is available as a tablet, an injection, and a cream.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Hydrocortisone
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Delayed wound healing
- Sleeplessness
- Extreme changes in mood
- Sore throat and fever
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet
- Difficulty in breathing
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Changes in vision
- Severs allergic reaction
- Muscle weakness
- Black or tarry stools
- Unwanted hair growth
- Depression
Uses of Hydrocortisone
What is it prescribed for?
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Swelling and pain
- Acute asthma
- Skin allergies and swelling
- Hemorrhoids and swelling of the intestinal lining
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken for this medicine to show its effect is subject to vary based on the route of administration.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains effective is subject to vary based on the intended use and the route of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The quantity of medicine and the duration of use should be kept as low as possible. Special precaution is advised during the first trimester of pregnancy. Risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as the effect on the nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks before using this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Hydrocortisone or any other ingredients present along with it.
Untreated serious infection
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have an active infection which is untreated or the treatment is in progress.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have this immune system disorder that causes a decrease in the level of blood cells.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The quantity of medicine and the duration of use should be kept as low as possible. Special precaution is advised during the first trimester of pregnancy. Risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as the effect on the nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks before using this medicine.
General warnings
Other medicines
Report the use of all other medicines including herbs and supplements to the doctor. This medicine can potentially interact with a large number of other medicines.
Other diseases
Report the incidence of any active disease to the doctor before receiving this medicine. Chances of any interaction while consuming this medicine must be ruled out. Special caution is advised in cases of heart conditions, liver problems, infections, diabetes, and psychotic disorders.
Delayed wound healing
Use of this medicine may delay the process of wound healing. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment in such cases based on your clinical condition.
Vaccination
Vaccination with live attenuated strains of micro-organisms should be avoided while taking this medicine. It is advised to avoid coming in contact with a person suffering from an infection while you are taking this medicine.
Tuberculosis relapse
Use of this medicine may cause a recurrence of tuberculosis and hence, this medicine should not be used if the patient has tested positive for the tuberculin test.
Vision disturbances
Use of this medicine for a prolonged duration may cause an increase in the intraocular pressure, resulting in glaucoma. Some instances of cataracts after prolonged usage have also been reported. The risk of adverse effects is significantly higher in patients with ocular herpes simplex infection.
Pheochromocytoma
This medicine should not be used in patients having a disorder of the adrenal glands. Appropriate tests must be performed to rule out this condition before treatment is initiated.
Enhanced effect of the medicine
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis (liver disease). Appropriate dose adjustments are advised to negate the enhanced effect of this medicine.
Withdrawal
Abrupt withdrawal of this medicine may cause unwanted side effects. It is advised to gradually reduce the dosage of this medicine before stopping the treatment.
Pediatric use
Prolonged use of this medicine in infants and children should be avoided as it may alter their growth and development process. Appropriate dose adjustments are to be made since the amount of medicine absorbed into the body of an infant and children is significantly higher than that of adults.
Use in the elderly
This medicine should be used with caution in the elderly patients as the risk of osteoporosis and stress fractures is significantly high. It may interfere with the protein and calcium metabolism and hence, appropriate supplementation is advised in such cases. Appropriate dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Epidural injection
The epidural route of administration for this medicine should be avoided as the safety and efficacy are not established. Some serious adverse effects have been reported with the epidural administration method.
Psychiatric disturbances
Use of this medicine has been associated with euphoria, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and personality changes in some patients. It is advised to consider all such disorders before starting the treatment course with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments may be required if the patient is under stress.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. The missed dose can be skipped if it is almost the time for the next scheduled dose.
Overdose
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. The severity of the symptoms may vary based on the form and route of administration. The effects of an overdose are likely to be more severe with the injectable and oral forms.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amlodipine
Carbamazepine
Estradiol
Metformin
Mifepristone
Phenytoin
Warfarin
Chlorothiazide
Phenobarbital
Live attenuated vaccines and related products
Alprazolam
Diclofenac
Disease interactions
Diabetes
This medicine should be used with caution in patients having diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is advised if this medicine is used for a prolonged period of time.
Hyperadrenocorticism
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having a condition where the adrenal glands secrete an excess of steroidal hormones in the body. Suitable tests must be conducted to rule out this condition before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Infections
This medicine is not recommended for use if the patient is being treated for an active infection since it may suppress the immune system response. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative that is safer to use based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Hydrocortisone exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The dosage form, strength, frequency, and duration of use are very specific to your needs. Do not take in quantities larger or smaller than advised. The use of this medicine should not be stopped abruptly. Consult your doctor before stopping this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by reducing the action of certain chemicals that cause swelling and pain in the body. It also changes the way in which the immune system normally works.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Adrenal cortical steroids, Topical steroids
Schedule
Schedule H (oral and parenterals), OTC (topicals)
Hydrocortisone - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Hydrocortisone | C21H30O5 - PubChem [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Hydrocortisone Oral: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 12 July 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Jan 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.