Hydrocortisone

Local pain or burning, and rectal bleeding attributed to CORTENEMA® have been reported rarely. Apparent exacerbations or sensitivity reactions also occur rarely. The following adverse reactions should be kept in mind whenever corticosteroids are given by rectal administration.

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances : Sodium retention; fluid retention; congestive heart failure in susceptible patients; potassium loss; hypokalemic alkalosis; hypertension. Musculoskeletal: Muscle weakness; steroid myopathy; loss of muscle mass; osteoporosis; vertebral compression fractures; asceptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads; pathologic fracture of long bones. Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage; pancreatitis; abdominal distention; ulcerative esophagitis. Dermatologic: Impaired wound healing; thin fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses; facial erythema; increased sweating; may suppress reactions to skin tests. Neurological: Convulsions; increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually after treatment; vertigo; headache. Endocrine: Menstrual irregularities; development of Cushingoid state; suppression of growth in pediatric patients; secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness, decreased carbohydrate tolerance; manifestations of latent diabetes requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics. Ophthalmic: Posterior subcapsular cataracts; increased intraocular pressure; glaucoma; exophthalmos. Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism.

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Cortenema (Hydrocortisone)

• Ulcerative Colitis

Hydrocortisone is used in the treatment of:

• Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital
• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Colitis, Ulcerative
• Facial Dermatoses
• Foot Dermatoses
• Hand Dermatoses
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammation
• Leg Dermatoses
• Pruritus Ani
• Rheumatic Diseases
• Scalp Dermatoses
• Shock
• Skin Diseases, Eczematous
• Status Asthmaticus

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Hydrocortisone may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• 1 Plus 1 F

• A-Hydrocort

• Acetasol HC

• Acticort 100

• Aeroseb-HC

• AK-Spore HC

• Ala-Cort

• Ala-Quin

• Ala-Scalp

• Alcortin

• Alcortin A

• Aloe Cort

• Analpram-HC

• Anamantle HC

• Antibiotic Ear

• Antibiotic-Cort Ear

• Anucort-HC

• Anusert HC-1

• Anusol HC

• Anusol HC-1

• Aquanil HC

• Aveeno Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch

• Balneol

• Beta HC

• Biocorneum

• Caldecort

• Carmol HC

• Cetacort

• Cipro HC

• Colocort

• Coly Mycin S

• Coraz

• Cort-Biotic

• Cort-Dome

• Cortaid

• CortAlo

• Cortane

• Cortane-B

• Cortatrigen

• Cortatrigen Modified

• Cortef

• Cortenema

• Cortic

• Corticaine

• Corticool

• Cortifoam

• Cortisil MDX

• Cortisporin

• Cortisporin Ointment

• Cortisporin-TC

• Cortizone-10

• Cortizone-10 Anal Itch Cream

• Cortizone-5

• Cortomycin

• Cortomycin Ointment

• Cotacort

• Dermacort

• Dermarest Dricort

• Dermarest Eczema

• Dermazene

• Dermol HC

• Dermolate

• Dermtex HC

• Drotic

• Ear-Eze

• Earsol-HC

• Easotic

• Encort

• Enzone

• Epifoam

• Excel Pet

• Exotic-HC

• Genasone/Aloe

• Gly-Cort

• Glytone Soothe Calming

• Gynecort

• HC AC/Aloe

• HC-Derma-Pax

• Hemril

• Hycort

• Hydrocort cream

• Hydrocort SS

• Hydrocortisone Pet Lotion

• Hydrocortisone-Aloe

• Hydrocortone

• Hydrocortone Acetate

• Hydrocortone Phosphate

• Hydroskin

• Hysone

• Hytone

• Instacort

• Instacort 10

• Itch-X Maximum Strength

• Ivocort

• Kera-HC

• Keratol HC

• Lacticare-HC

• Lazersporin-C

• Lidamantle HC

• Lidocort

• Locoid

• Mantadil

• Masporin Otic

• Maximum-H

• MiCort-HC

• Monistat Itch Relief

• MyOxin

• Neo-Cortef

• Neo-Polycin HC

• Neosporin Eczema

• Neotricin HC

• Neutrogena T-Scalp

• Nogenic HC

• Novacort

• Nucort

• Nupercainal HC 1%

• Nutracort

• NuZon

• Ocu-Cort

• Ocutricin HC

• Ophthocort

• Orabase HCA

• Oti-Sone

• Otic care

• Otic Ear Care

• Oticin HC

• Oticin HC Ear Drops

• Oticot HC

• Otimar

• Otirx

• Otobiotic

• Otocort Sterile Suspension

• Otomax HC

• Pandel

• Pedi-Cort V

• Pediaderm HC

• Pediotic

• Penecort

• Peranex

• PramCort

• Pramosone

• Preparation H Hydrocortisone

• ProCort

• Procort 1.85/1.15

• Procto-Kit

• Procto-Pak

• Proctocare-HC

• Proctocort

• Proctocream

• Proctocream HC

• Proctofoam-HC

• Proctosert HC

• Proctosol

• Proctozone HC

• Proctozone-H

• Propet

• Recort Plus

• Rectacort-HC

• Rederm

• Sarnol-HC

• Scalacort

• Scalp-Aid

• Scalp-Cort

• Scalpicin Itch Relief

• Senatec HC

• Sentry HC Dermasphere

• Solu-Cortef

• Steroform

• Terra-Cortril

• Texacort

• Theracort Anti-Itch

• Tri-Otic

• TriOxin

• Tucks HC

• U-Cort

• Vagisil Satin

• Vanoxide-HC

• Vasotate HC

• Vio-Tex-HC

• Vosol HC

• Vytone

• Westcort

• Xebcort

• Xerese

• Xyralid

• Yeast-X External

• Z-Pram

• ZyPram

Take hydrocortisone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The Hydrocortisone dose your doctor recommends will be based on the following (use any or all that apply):

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your weight
• your height
• your age
• your gender

Hydrocortisone is available in the following doses:

• Acetic Acid-hydrocortisone Otic 2%-1% Otic Solution
• Acyclovir-hydrocortisone Topical 5%-1% Topical Cream
• Bacitracin/hc/neomycin/polymyxin B Ophthalmic 400 Units-10 Mg-3.5 Mg-10000 Units/g Ophthalmic Ointment
• Bacitracin/hc/neomycin/polymyxin B Topical 400 Units-10 Mg-3.5 Mg-10000 Units/g Topical Ointment
• Benzoyl Peroxide-hydrocortisone Topical 5%-0.5% Topical Lotion
• Benzoyl Peroxide-hydrocortisone Topical 5%-0.5% With Cleanser Topical Kit
• Chloramphenicol/hc/polymyxin B Ophthalmic 10 Mg-5 Mg-10,000 Units/g Ophthalmic Ointment
• Chlorcyclizine-hydrocortisone Topical 2%-0.5% Topical Cream
• Chloroxylenol/hydrocortisone/pramoxine Otic 0.1%-1%-1% Otic Lotion
• Chloroxylenol/hydrocortisone/pramoxine Otic 0.1%-1%-1% Otic Solution
• Ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone Otic 0.2%-1% Otic Suspension
• Clioquinol-hydrocortisone Topical 3%-0.5% Topical Cream
• Clioquinol-hydrocortisone Topical 3%-1% Topical Cream
• Clioquinol-hydrocortisone Topical 3%-1% Topical Ointment
• Clioquinol/hydrocortisone/pramoxine Topical 3%-1%-1% Topical Cream
• Colistin/hc/neomycin/thonzonium Otic 0.3%-1%-0.33%-0.05% Otic Suspension
• Diphenhydramine-hydrocortisone Topical 0.5%-0.5% Topical Spray
• Diphenhydramine/hc/nystatin Topical 0.525 G-0.06 G-0.6 G/237 Ml Mucous Membrane Suspension
• Diphenhydramine/hc/nystatin/tcn Topical 0.45 G-0.06 G-1.2 G-1.5 G/237 Ml Mucous Membrane Suspension
• Hydrocortisone 1 G Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 10 Mg Oral Tablet
• Hydrocortisone 10% Rectal Foam With Applicator
• Hydrocortisone 100 Mg Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 100 Mg Preservative-free Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 100 Mg/60 Ml Rectal Suspension
• Hydrocortisone 1000 Mg Preservative-free Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 20 Mg Oral Tablet
• Hydrocortisone 250 Mg Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 250 Mg Preservative-free Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 5 Mg Oral Tablet
• Hydrocortisone 500 Mg Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone 500 Mg Preservative-free Injectable Powder For Injection
• Hydrocortisone Acetate 25 Mg/ml Injectable Suspension
• Hydrocortisone Acetate 50 Mg/ml Injectable Suspension
• Hydrocortisone Acetate Compounding Powder
• Hydrocortisone Compounding Powder
• Hydrocortisone Cypionate 10 Mg/5 Ml Oral Suspension
• Hydrocortisone Hemisuccinate Compounding Powder
• Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate 50 Mg/ml Injectable Solution
• Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Compounding Powder
• Hydrocortisone Topical 0.5% Topical Cream
• Hydrocortisone Topical 0.5% Topical Lotion
• Hydrocortisone Topical 0.5% Topical Ointment
• Hydrocortisone Topical 0.5% Topical Pad
• Hydrocortisone Topical 0.5% Topical Spray
• Hydrocortisone Topical 1% Rectal Cream With Applicator
• Hydrocortisone Topical 1% Rectal Ointment
• Hydrocortisone Topical 1% Topical Gel
• Hydrocortisone Topical 1% Topical Ointment
• Hydrocortisone Topical 1% Topical Solution
• Hydrocortisone Topical 1% Topical Stick
• Hydrocortisone Topical 10% Topical Gel
• Hydrocortisone Topical 100 Mg/60 Ml Rectal Solution
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2% Topical Lotion
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2% With Emollients Topical Kit
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2.5% Rectal Cream With Applicator
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2.5% Topical Cream
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2.5% Topical Lotion
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2.5% Topical Ointment
• Hydrocortisone Topical 2.5% Topical Solution
• Hydrocortisone Topical 30 Mg Rectal Suppository
• Hydrocortisone-iodoquinol Topical 1%-1% Topical Cream
• Hydrocortisone-iodoquinol Topical 2%-1% Topical Gel
• Hydrocortisone-ketoconazole Topical 1%-2% Topical Kit
• Hydrocortisone-polymyxin B Otic 0.5%-10000 Units/ml Otic Solution
• Hydrocortisone-urea Topical 1%-10% Topical Cream
• Hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin B Ophth 1%-0.35%-10000 Units/ml Ophthalmic Suspension
• Hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin B Otic 1%-0.35%-10000 Units/ml Otic Solution
• Hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin B Otic 1%-0.35%-10000 Units/ml Otic Suspension
• Hydrocortisone/salicylic Acid/sulfur Topical 2%-2%-2% Topical Kit

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Before taking hydrocortisone, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are taking hydrocortisone. Vaccines may not work as well while you are taking a steroid.

Do not stop using hydrocortisone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking a steroid, in case of emergency.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrocortisone:

• liver disease (such as cirrhosis);

• kidney disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• diabetes;

• a history of malaria;

• tuberculosis;

• osteoporosis;

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;

• glaucoma or cataracts;

• herpes infection of the eyes;

• stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;

• depression or mental illness;

• congestive heart failure; or

• high blood pressure

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hydrocortisone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Hydrocortisone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

A single large dose of hydrocortisone is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, high doses taken over a long period of time may cause weight gain, roundness of the face, increased facial hair growth, bruising, swelling, and muscle pain or weakness.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with hydrocortisone. Vaccines may not work as well while you are taking a steroid.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking hydrocortisone.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• problems with your vision;

• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;

• pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);

• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes;

• acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;

• slow wound healing;

• increased sweating;

• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;

• nausea, stomach pain, bloating; or

• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There are many other medicines that can interact with steroids. Below is only a partial list of these medicines:

• aspirin (taken on a daily basis or at high doses);

• a diuretic (water pill);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;

• ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or

• seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Topical corticosteroids are generally applied to the affected area as a thin film from two to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions. If an infection develops, the use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted.