Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Hydrocortisone

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is primarily prescribed for managing of adrenocortical insufficiency; relief of inflammation of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses (low and medium potency topical corticosteroid); adjunctive treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Hydrocortisone effectively helps in the treatment of serious allergies, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and arthritis as well as some types of skin conditions. It acts as a corticosteroid, and prevents body tissues from reacting to inflammation.

Hydrocortisone is an oral drug, and can be taken either with food or without. Patients who are more likely to develop stomach problems should take the drug along with food. This drug should always be gradually stopped. If it is discontinued suddenly, its side effects may worsen resulting in seizures.

One of the side effects of the drug is dizziness. In this case alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided entirely, otherwise dizziness may become more severe. Driving and more complicated tasks should also be avoided in order to prevent accidents.

The drug also lowers the immunity of the body, which is precisely why patients taking Hydrocortisone should avoid contact with those who have infections like the cold or flu. If the drug is used for a long period of time, it can result in the onset of eye problems like cataract, eye infections as well glaucoma. Other side effects of the drug include dry scalp, acne and redness of the face.

Symptoms of overdose include cushingoid appearance (systemic), muscle weakness (systemic), osteoporosis (systemic) all with long-term use only. When consumed in excessive quantities for prolonged periods, systemic hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur.

In those cases, discontinuation and withdrawal of the corticosteroid should be done judiciously. Take as directed; do not increase doses and do not stop abruptly without consulting prescribed.

Dosage of systemic hydrocortisone is usually tapered off gradually. Take oral dose with food to reduce GI upset. Hydrocortisone may cause immunosuppression and mask symptoms of infection; avoid exposure to contagion and notify prescriber of any signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat, injury) and notify dentist or surgeon (if necessary) that you are taking this medication.

You may experience increased appetite, indigestion, or increased nervousness. Report any sudden weight gain (>5 lb/week), swelling of extremities or difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, severe vomiting, black or tarry stools, fatigue, anorexia, weakness, or unusual mood swings.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Hydrocortisone

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Hydrocortisone ?

    • Persistent Infections

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Hydrocortisone

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Hydrocortisone may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Hydrocortisone is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no interaction between driving and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution should be used in patients with impaired renal function.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Hydrocortisone

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Hydrocortisone as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication acts as a corticosteroid used for reducing skin inflammation. Your body releases different chemicals in response to certain triggers. It works by stopping the infection-fighting white blood cells from reaching the part of your body which is prone to infections.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Hydrocortisone ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Medicine

        • Insulin decreases hypoglycemic effect.
        • Phenytoin, phenobarbital, ephedrine, and rifampin increase metabolism of hydrocortisone and decrease steroid blood level.
        • Increased toxicity:
          • Oral anticoagulants change prothrombin time; potassium-depleting diuretics increase risk of hypokalemia.
          • Cardiac glucosides increase risk of arrhythmias or digitalis toxicity secondary to hypokalemia.
      • Interaction with Food

        Systemic use of corticosteroids may require a diet with increased potassium, vitamins A, B6, C, D, folate, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and decreased sodium.
      • Interaction with Disease

        • Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis, hypertension, osteoporosis, thromboembolic tendencies, CHF, convulsive disorders, myasthenia gravis, thrombophlebitis, peptic ulcer, diabetes.
        • Acute adrenal insufficiency may occur with abrupt withdrawal after long-term therapy or with stress; young pediatric patients may be more susceptible to adrenal axis suppression from topical therapy.
        • Because of the risk of adverse effects, systemic corticosteroids should be used cautiously in the elderly, in the smallest possible dose, and for the shortest possible time.

      FAQs about Hydrocortisone

      • Ques : How does Hydrocortisone work?

        Ans : Hydrocortisone works by reducing the inflammation which helps in treating many illnesses caused due to active inflammation. In addition to that, it stops the autoimmune reactions which occur when your body's immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage.

      • Ques : Is Hydrocortisone a steroid?

        Ans : Yes, Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine also known as corticosteroids which occur naturally in the body. These corticosteroids help to maintain health and wellbeing.

      • Ques : What is Hydrocortisone used for?

        Ans : Hydrocortisone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is used to treat many conditions like allergic conditions, anaphylaxis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory skin diseases.

      • Ques : How is Hydrocortisone administered?

        Ans : Hydrocortisone should be administered by a doctor or under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered.

      • Ques : I was given Hydrocortisone in the knee as I have arthritis. Will it pain after taking Hydrocortisone? What should I do about it?

        Ans : Hydrocortisone effectively treats many inflammatory conditions, joint pain and inflammation in arthritis being one of its multiple uses. Usually, the pain gets better after a day or two. Try not to have frequent movement for about 24 hours after the injection and do not do any heavy exercise for best results.

      References

      • Hydrocortisone-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 9 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/hydrocortisone

      • Hydrocortisone-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 9 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00741

      • HYDROCORTISONE injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 9 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=HYDROCORTISONE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      Can I use hydrocortisone ointment for piles? If...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Princy Khandelwal

      Homeopath

      Hello,Homoeopathy has a good treatment for piles.Take sulphur 30, 3 drops with water once daily i...

      Hi Sir, can I use hydrocortisone ointment for h...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Pahun

      Sexologist

      Ayurveda has the power to rejuvenate new skin cells. Don't go for any products containing chemica...

      I am a patient of craniopharyngioma. I want to ...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Jayvirsinh Chauhan

      Homeopath

      None of them... They will just Mask the symptoms.. they are steroids... Better take Homoeopathic ...

      Please suggest. Can I apply Hydrocortisone crea...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Shriganesh Diliprao Deshmukh

      Homeopath

      pituitrin 30 one dose repeat after 15 days no further dose repeat after two month the same way ti...

      Prescribed hydrocortisone 2.5% topical for unde...

      dr-sangeeta-masur-general-physician

      Dr. Sangeeta Masur

      General Physician

      Under arm odor will not go with hydocortisone. Use anti perspiration rollon .hydrocortisone can b...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner