Hydrocortisone

Molecule Description

Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines called Corticosteroids. It repla

ces the adrenal hormones in your body, which you may be lacking.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Hydrocortisone

It can be used as replacement therapy for children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (which affects the body's natural production of steroids)
It is also used to treat severe asthma and allergic reactions (in adults and children)

Contraindications of Hydrocortisone

When should one not use Hydrocortisone

If you are allergic to Hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients
If you are suffering from an infection
If you are going to have any vaccinations

Side effects of Hydrocortisone

Common side effects of this drug are:

Fits (convulsions)
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Irritability
Vertigo
Mood swings
Depression
Increased appetite
Delayed wound healing
Bleeding ulcers (indicated by stomach pain, bleeding from the anus, black stools or being sick with blood present)
Muscle weakness
Thinning of bones which makes fractures more likely (osteoporosis)
Cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye)
Increase in blood sugar
Diabetes mellitus
Thromboembolism

Precautions and Warnings of Hydrocortisone

Pregnancy

Can I take Hydrocortisone during pregnancy?

It is advised not to take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Consult a doctor before taking this medicine during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Hydrocortisone while breastfeeding?

It can be pass into breast milk. So breastfeeding women should tell their doctor before taking this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Hydrocortisone?

It may make affect your vision or make you feel dizzy. If you have any of these symptoms, you should not drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Hydrocortisone?

You must make sure that you don’t consume alcohol when you are taking the medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You feel itching or skin rashes, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or wheeziness
You have liver, kidney, thyroid or heart problems
You have any infections
You have any thyroid problems or suffering from tuberculosis (TB)
You have a history of liver, kidney or any heart problems
You have diabetes or high blood pressure
You have a condition of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
You are suffering from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
You have HIV infection or epilepsy
You are suffering from stomach ulcers or other digestive problems
You have a history of chickenpox, shingles or measles

Mode of Action of Hydrocortisone

How Does It Work?

Hydrocortisone is a Corticosteroid or a steroid that reduces the skin inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which is responsible for inflammation. It can also su...

Interactions of Hydrocortisone

Interactions with other medicines

Medicine used to assist medical termination of pregnancy (Mifepristone)
Diuretics (water tablets)
Medicine used to treat ulcers (Carbenoxolone)
Medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Medicines used to treat asthma and other breathing problems (Theophylline, Bambuterol, Fenoterol, Formoterol, Ritodrine, Salbutamol, Salmeterol and Terbutaline)
Medicines used to treat high blood pressure
Medicines used to thin the blood like Warfarin
Aspirin
Medicines used to treat mild to moderate pain such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac or Naproxen
Medicines for diabetes (Insulin)
Medicines used to treat bacterial infections (Erythromycin or Clarithromycin)
Oral contraceptive pill
Medicines used to treat HIV infections (Efavirenz or Nevirapine)
Medicine used to treat glaucoma (Acetazolamide)
Medicines used to treat fungal infections (Amphotericin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole or Voriconazole)
Medicine used for treating depression
Medicines used to treat epilepsy (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine and Primidone)
Medicines used to treat TB (Rifabutin and Rifampicin)
Medicine used in the treatment of cancer
Medicines used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeat (Digoxin)

Interactions with food items

Limit the portion of carbohydrates and salt intake
Start taking potassium supplements
Consume meals that are high in protein

Dosage of Hydrocortisone

Overdose

You must ensure that you seek immediate medical attention if you believe that you have overdosed on the medicine. Symptoms of overdosage may include nausea, vomiting, sodium and water retention, and o...

Missed a Dose

If you missed a dose, try to follow the regular dosage schedule. Do not double the dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mahesh Muthe

MBBS

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use Hydrocortisone on my face?

A: You should never use over-the-counter preparations of Hydrocortisone on your face unless a doctor prescribes them. Most of the Hydrocortisone products are not sold to be used on the face. The skin on the face is very delicate. Long-term use of such steroids that are strong can cause noticeable damage to the face.

Q: Does Hydrocortisone raise blood sugar?

A: If you have diabetes, then yes, Hydrocortisone has a high chance of increasing the blood sugar levels in your body.

Q: How long does it take for Hydrocortisone to work?

A: It should take around 72 hours for the effects to show clearly. It is recommended that you use Hydrocortisone cream for seven days. If you don’t see any results, you may need a stronger formulation of Hydrocortisone or a different steroid. If used for an extended period, Hydrocortisone begins to reduce its effect.

References

View All

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

High Cholesterol Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid!

Introduction Heart disease is the primary cause of deaths around the world. Having too much cholesterol can lead to severe cardiac issues. Thankfully, you can control and reduce the cholesterol levels by watching what you eat, i.e. the right cholesterol foods. Everything that you ingest has an impact on your cholesterol levels. Here is our

Your Ultimate Guide To A Balanced Diet For Diabetes

Introduction Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting more than 100 million people in India. Diabetes occurs either due to insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or both which results in high levels of glucose in blood. Managing diabetes is crucial because uncontrolled diabetes can have serious complications like vision loss, kidney failure,

Benefits of Figs Soaked in Water Overnight: Exploring Nutritional Advantages

Key Highlights: Introduction Figs are versatile and scrumptious fruit that has been revered for its proposed nutritional benefits since ancient times. This little fruit, filled with a burst of sweetness, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that may enhance your well-being. When soaked in water overnight, figs can make a valuable addition to your daily

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Introduction: Recently, dry ice has been in the news due to an unfortunate incident that occurred at a cafe in Gurugram, Haryana. Five diners unwittingly consumed dry ice, mistaking it for mouth freshener. As per news reports, the diners suffered serious injuries to their food pipe and oral cavity after accidentally ingesting the dry ice.

Bubonic Plague Reported: Are We In Danger?

Bubonic plague, which became notorious during the 14th Century in Europe and swept through India from the 1890s to 1910s, is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. Contrary to popular belief, this plague isn’t caused by rat bites. The cause of bubonic plague is the bite of infected fleas. These fleas live in the hairs

Simple and Effective Skin Care Routine

Introduction Healthy skin is indicative of the quality of diet and lifestyle one follows. The largest organ of the human body and often overlooked, the skin acts as a barrier and prevents the external components from entering the inside of the body. This entails that, at times, it is exposed to critically harsh conditions, and

How to Save More on Heart Disease Medicines?

Introduction The heart is a vital organ of the body that literally keeps you alive. But several factors, such as lifestyle, comorbidities, and genetic predisposition, can put your heart health in jeopardy. Risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, aging, and lack of exercise can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. An article published

JN.1: The New COVID Variant Strikes As The Year Draws To A Close

Introduction As we enter the festive finale of 2023, a renewed surge in COVID cases in India prompts people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. On December 8th, Kerala reported its first infection from the SARS-CoV variant, JN.1. Discovered earlier in the year in the United States and China, this JN.1 strain is now classified by the

How To Save More on Blood Pressure Medicines?

Introduction High blood pressure or hypertension has been on the rise in India! If not managed well, it can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and other heart conditions. In 2015-16, 19% of men and 17% of women had hypertension, but in 2019-2020, this number has gone up to 24% and 21%, respectively. Hypertension

Do Hot Showers Do More Harm Than Good?

Introduction The temperature of water you shower with matters more than you can fathom. While many people prefer hot water showers as they help them shake the laziness away, some also prefer cold showers as it makes them more alert and ready to take on the day. Especially in the winter, when one usually lacks

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.