Hydrocortisone Injection: Uses and Side Effects

What is a Hydrocortisone Injection?

Have you ever heard of hydrocortisone, a synthetic version of the hormone cortisol?¹ This medication is often used to alleviate symptoms caused by low levels of corticosteroids, which are essential substances naturally produced by the adrenal glands for optimal body functioning.² In this article, we will explore the topic of hydrocortisone injection and its various uses and side effects.

Uses of Hydrocortisone Injection

• Hydrocortisone injections reduce inflammation and swelling seen in allergies, asthma, arthritis, eczema, and dermatitis.²
• They boost health by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body.¹
• Hydrocortisone injections can treat multiple sclerosis, lupus, gastrointestinal disorders, and certain forms of arthritis.²

It is important to note that hydrocortisone injection can only be prescribed by a qualified medical professional after conducting a thorough evaluation to determine whether it is suitable for your individual needs. Therefore, if you believe that you require this medication, it is crucial to seek medical advice and consultation with a doctor. They can assess your condition and determine if hydrocortisone injection is the appropriate treatment option for you.

Steroids commonly hydrocortisone are known to reduce swelling and pain after a surgery and shorten the recovery time. Typically it can be used to reduce the thickness of scar tissues after surgery.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

How to Give Hydrocortisone Injection?

The injection is always given by a healthcare provider and never to be self-administered. Hydrocortisone injection is available as a powder that must be mixed with liquid before being injected intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into a vein). The frequency of injections needed would be determined by the type of medical condition you have and your body’s response to the treatment. Throughout your treatment, your doctor may adjust the amount of hydrocortisone injection you receive to ensure that you are always given the lowest dose that is effective for you.²

Precautions Taken After Hydrocortisone Injection

• Tell your doctor if you have any allergies from using hydrocortisone injections or any other drugs.²
• You have a higher risk of contracting an infection if you are using hydrocortisone injection. So, it is advised to keep your distance from those who are ill. Inform your doctor if you are near somebody who has measles or chickenpox.³
• If you are planning to undergo any type of surgery, inform your surgeon that you have taken hydrocortisone injections within the past 12 months.³
• Inquire about your diet with your doctor to determine the appropriate food intake while receiving the injection. You might need to cut back on your salt intake while using hydrocortisone injection.³
• Hydrocortisone injection could make blood sugar levels rise. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor to see if dietary or medication modifications are necessary.³

Hydrocortisone injection is a steroid which should always be administered by orders of doctor, it’s mainly used in treating allergies, asthma and in crisis states.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Side Effects of Hydrocortisone Injection

• Symptoms of allergic reactions include skin rashes, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck.³
• If you experience blurred vision, trouble reading, eye discomfort, or any other change in your vision, consult your doctor straight away.¹
• If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, contact your doctor – headache, insomnia, slow recovery of bruises and injuries, muscular aches, acne, and tiredness.²
• You may notice changes in mood and behaviour like anxiety, anger, aggressiveness, and depressive symptoms.³

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Hydrocortisone (injection route) description and brand names [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2023 [cited 2023Apr4]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocortisone-injection-route/description/drg-20406236
2. Hydrocortisone injection: Medlineplus Drug Information [Internet]. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2023Apr4]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682871.html
3. Hydrocortisone injection: Uses & side effects [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2023Apr4]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18404-hydrocortisone-injection
4. Hydrocortisone (injection route) side effects [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2023 [cited 2023Apr4]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocortisone-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20406236
5. Hydrocortisone 500MG/5ML solution for injection – patient information leaflet (PIL) – (EMC). [cited 2023Apr4]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7811/pil

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