Hydrocortisone
About Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is used to replace cortisol, a natural hormone, when the body does not produce enough of it (such as in Addison’s disease). It is given to children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and during severe illness or injury in children who have adrenal insufficiency or low adrenal reserve.
It is also used to treat conditions that cause inflammation, such as swelling, redness, heat, and pain in the body.
Hydrocortisone contains hydrocortisone, which works as a replacement therapy for the natural steroid hormone cortisol. Also, it works by inhibiting the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling.
Hydrocortisone may cause common side effects, including acne, increased hair growth, weight gain, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, or indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Hydrocortisone or any other medicines. If you are pregnant or nursing, please inform your physician before taking Hydrocortisone. If you have an infection, avoid taking Hydrocortisone, and if you develop any new infection while on treatment with Hydrocortisone, consult a doctor.
Uses of Hydrocortisone
Medicinal Benefits
For Hormone replacement in adrenal disorders:
- Replaces the cortisol that is lacking in adrenal insufficiency.
- Keeps the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbs regular.
- Enhances the body's reaction to both mental and physical stress.
- Minimises symptoms including weakness, nausea, exhaustion, and weight loss.
- Lowers the chance of an adrenal crisis when taken as directed on a regular basis.
For allergic reactions:
- Minimises swelling, redness, and inflammation at the site of injury.
- Relieves the discomfort and itching brought on by allergic responses.
- Reduces the immune response that causes allergic symptoms.
- Aids in managing skin conditions such as rashes, dermatitis, and eczema.
- Beneficial for allergic responses to stings and insect bites.
Directions for Use
- Hydrocortisone can be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
- It is usually taken 2-3 times daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Hydrocortisone as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Hydrocortisone
- Acne
- Increased hair growth
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Indigestion
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Hydrocortisone or other medicines.
- If you have an infection, avoid taking Hydrocortisone, and if you develop any new infection while on treatment with Hydrocortisone, consult a doctor.
- If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, please inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone.
- If you have been vaccinated recently or are about to get vaccinated, inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone.
- Some people may experience mood changes (feeling depressed or high), difficulty in thinking or being confused and losing their memory, feeling anxious, sleeping problems, feeling, hearing, or seeing things that do not exist, and having strange and frightening thoughts. If you experience any of these problems, please consult your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Abortion pill (Mifepristone)
• Potential effect: May reduce the effectiveness of Hydrocortisone. - Anti-epilepsy medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• Potential effect: May reduce the effectiveness of Hydrocortisone. - Pain killers (Ibuprofen, diclofenac)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of ulcers and gastric irritation. - Water pills (Furosemide)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels). - Blood thinners (warfarin)
• Potential effect: May reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.
Drug-Food Interactions: Hydrocortisone may interact with St. John's wort (an antidepressant herbal supplement).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Hydrocortisone, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Severe depression or bipolar disorder
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- Recent history of heart attack or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Stomach ulcers
- Liver, kidney or heart problems
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Hydrocortisone with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited data is available on the effect of Hydrocortisone in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorSmall amounts of Hydrocortisone may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionHydrocortisone may cause dizziness or extreme tiredness. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating machines.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Hydrocortisone. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
cautionHydrocortisone should be used in dose and duration as advised by the doctor. Your doctor may monitor the growth of the child while on treatment with this medicine.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy diet:
- Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- To stop muscle loss, eat meals high in protein, such as lean meat, eggs, fish, legumes, and dal.
- To preserve bone health, choose foods high in calcium, such as milk, curd, paneer, and ragi.
- To ensure calcium absorption, make sure you consume enough vitamin D from fortified foods and eggs.
Stress management:
- Engage in relaxation exercises like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule to promote hormonal equilibrium.
- When at all possible, steer clear of extreme emotional and physical stress.
- To avoid exhaustion and overexertion, schedule your everyday activities.
Physical activity:
- Engage in regular, moderate physical activity.
- Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
- Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and body weight regularly.
- Protect bones with calcium and vitamin D intake.
Special Advise
Hydrocortisone may increase the risk of infections, especially if taken for a prolonged period, as it may weaken the immune system. Therefore, it is advised to stay away from people having chickenpox, measles, or shingles as they can severely affect someone while taking Hydrocortisone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Addison's disease: It is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. It is also known as hypocortisolism or primary adrenal insufficiency. The symptoms include darkening of the skin, extreme tiredness, nausea and dizziness upon standing.
Inflammation: It is a response generated by damage to living tissues. This response is a defence mechanism to protect the body from injury, infection, or disease. The symptoms of inflammation include redness, pain, swelling, heat, or loss of function. Inflammation can be caused by certain medications, acute and chronic conditions, or exposure to foreign materials or irritants your body can’t eliminate easily.
FAQs
Hydrocortisone is used as a hormone replacement for cortisol (a natural hormone) and to treat inflammation (swelling, redness, heat, and tenderness), such as severe allergies, asthma, certain forms of arthritis, blood, skin, kidney, eye, thyroid and intestinal disorders, and certain types of cancer.
Hydrocortisone contains Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that works as a replacement therapy for the natural steroid hormone cortisol. Also, it works by inhibiting the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling.
Hydrocortisone may cause mental problems, especially if taken in high doses. However, inform your doctor immediately if you notice mood changes or have depression and suicidal thoughts while taking Hydrocortisone.
A blue steroid card consists of patient instructions and provides information to healthcare providers regarding the details of prescribed steroids. It is given to patients using Hydrocortisone for more than three weeks. The patient is advised to always carry a steroid card and show it to the nurse, midwife, doctor, dentist or anyone who treats them.
Hydrocortisone may cause common side effects, including acne, increased hair growth, weight gain, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, or indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
