Hydrocortisone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

[creams/ointments] Biocort, Locoid, Mylocort, Procutan, Stopitch

[tablets] Covocort

[injection] Solu-Cortef

Popular combinations:

Daktacort, Elozart, Fucidin H, Proctosedyl

Drug group:

Corticosteroid

Prescription needed?

Yes (except for some topical preparations)

What does it do?

Hydrocortisone is used to treat a variety of conditions:

• Allergic and inflammatory conditions of the skin, eye and outer ear
• Asthma, allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic disorders
• It is also used in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)

How does it work?

• Hydrocortisone is chemically identical to cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands
• Cortisol inhibits the inflammatory response, but also affects carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and has salt-retaining activity

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need:

Frequency/timing/quantity of doses varies according to condition and preparation

How quickly will it start to work?

Within hours, full effect in a few days  
                   

How long will the effects last?

Up to 12 hours                 
      

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor, oral formulations should be withdrawn gradually.     
        

Is it safe for prolonged use?

High doses of oral hydrocortisone taken for prolonged periods can lead to peptic ulcers, glaucoma, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and growth retardation in children. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar testing may be required.

What are the possible side effects?

Overuse of skin preparations can lead to permanent thinning of the skin.

The following have been reported with oral hydrocortisone:

• More common: indigestion, weight gain, acne, fluid retention
• Less common (with high doses): muscle weakness, mood changes, menstrual irregularities

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, peptic ulcer, mental illness, epilepsy, glaucoma, tuberculosis, diabetes
• Other medicines: barbiturates, anticonvulsants, rifampicin, antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, vaccines, aspirin and other NSAIDs
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk with topicals, oral preparations may adversely affect the baby
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: Avoid with orals, increased risk of peptic ulcer
• Infection: Avoid exposure to chickenpox/shingles/measles if you are on systemic treatment