Hydrocortisone Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid medication, is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions including adrenal insufficiency, allergies, inflammation, skin conditions, and autoimmune disorders. It helps reduce immune system response and inflammation in the body. As with all medications, consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine experts before starting or adjusting your dose.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Cortef (Hydrocortisone)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of the active ingredient in the medication. This name is universal and used by healthcare professionals worldwide. The generic name for the brand Cortef is mentioned in parenthesis, which is Hydrocortisone.

Pharmacologic Category

Hydrocortisone belongs to the category of drugs known as corticosteroids, along with Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, and Dexamethasone.

Dosing

Hydrocortisone is indicated for the treatment of a variety of conditions in adults. Always consult your healthcare provider or a telemedicine expert before adjusting your dose.

• Adrenal Insufficiency: 20-30mg orally in divided doses (2/3 in the morning, 1/3 in the afternoon) daily.
• Inflammation/Allergic reactions: Dosage varies significantly depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from 20mg to 240mg daily.
• Dermatologic conditions: Apply a thin film 2 to 4 times daily to the affected area.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis/Lupus/Multiple Sclerosis: Initial dosage may vary from 20mg to 240mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated.
• Asthma: Acute: 40mg to 240mg per day in divided doses. Maintenance: lower doses, sufficient to control symptoms.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: 40mg to 120mg per day in divided doses.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: For the initial episode: 60mg/m² or 2mg/kg (up to 80mg) daily divided into 3 or 4 doses.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Hydrocortisone comes in various forms and strengths:

• Oral tablet: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
• Topical cream/ointment: 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%
• Intravenous or Intramuscular injection: 100mg, 500mg, 1g

Administration Instructions

Hydrocortisone should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and frequency depend on the medical condition being treated. Some forms of this medication are taken orally, some are applied topically, and some are injected. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking this medication without first consulting your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Hydrocortisone, like any medication, can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences these, if they do occur, they may require medical attention.

• Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): increased appetite, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and fluid retention.
• Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): high blood sugar, weight gain, and high blood pressure.
• Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): impaired wound healing, thinning of the skin, and vision problems.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Hydrocortisone is contraindicated in patients with:

• Allergy to hydrocortisone or any of its components.
• Systemic fungal infections due to potential worsening of these infections.
• Patients receiving live or live-attenuated vaccines while undergoing immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some medications may affect how hydrocortisone works or increase your risk for side effects. Examples include:

• Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)

Hydrocortisone in Pregnancy

Hydrocortisone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult your healthcare provider or a telemedicine expert before taking this medication.

Hydrocortisone while Breastfeeding

Hydrocortisone passes into breast milk in small amounts. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of hydrocortisone (20mg) without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $25 to $35.

Possible Alternatives

For every condition listed in the dosing section, there might be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that could help. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine experts before making changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Hydrocortisone Research

Current research is evaluating the long-term effects of hydrocortisone use and its potential in treating severe respiratory illnesses. Always stay informed about the latest research and consult with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team about any concerns or questions.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and changes may occur that may not be reflected here. Please discuss any concerns or questions you have about your health or medications with your healthcare provider.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.