What is Hydrocortisone for ?

This medication is a corticosteroid, prescribed for severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and skin conditions.

How does Hydrocortisone work ?

It is also used to treat certain types of cancer.

How should Hydrocortisone be used ?

It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein. IV- The recommended dose is 20mg per day.

Common side effects of Hydrocortisone ?

High blood sugar may cause diabetes while on this drug. This most often goes back to normal when this drug is stopped. Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Belly pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Weight gain. Mood changes. Change in body fat. Weak bones with long-term use. Muscle weakness, mostly in the thighs and upper arms. Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth). For women, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge. Cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking Hydrocortisone ?

If you have an allergy to hydrocortisone or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have a bad infection.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degree Farenhite (38 degree Celcius) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Feeling very tired, weak, or touchy; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this drug. Trouble breathing. Very upset stomach or throwing up. A big weight gain. If you have been exposed to chickenpox and have not had chickenpox or had a chickenpox vaccine. Sudden change in eyesight. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Hydrocortisone with other medicines ?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid alcohol.

How do I store Hydrocortisone ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Corticosteroid Hormones, Topical Corticosteroids, Eye Corticosteroids.