What is Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone) used for?

Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone) is a corticosteroid prescribed to treat patients suffering from Addison's disease or an underactive pituitary gland. The medication is similar to the natural hormone produced by the adrenal gland and operates by restoring its normal levels in the body. This may also make it useful for treating breathing problems, arthritis, immune system disorders, or severe allergies. Your physician may prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone)?

Strictly use Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone) according to your physician's instructions to get the most effective results from treatment. The typical dosage is one tablet taken one to four times each day, but your particular directions will depend on the condition being treated, your weight, age, health, and the severity of your symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a large glass of water and a meal to prevent nausea. Never split, chew, or crush the tablets before use to prevent destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your physician any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone)?

Some patients using Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone) have reported experiencing side effects such as:

• Headaches
• Hiccups
• Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Disturbed menstrual cycles
• Unusual weight gain
• Edema

More serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention include hyperglycemia, increased risk of infection, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, Cushing's syndrome, hypertension, decreased potassium levels, glaucoma, increased blood clots, or intracranial pressure. Immediately inform your physician about any severe or worrying symptoms you experience to make sure the correct alterations are made to your dosage to prevent further complications from occurring.

Please Note

Do not begin using Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortisone) if you are lactose intolerant or if you have a widespread fungal infection. Also disclose if you are elderly, a woman who has gone through menopause, if the patient being treated is a child, or if you have herpes of the eye, tuberculosis, malaria affecting the brain, heart failure, a recent heart attack, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, metastatic carcinoma, a history of blood clots, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel condition, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, hypertension, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, or reduced liver or kidney function. These conditions may cause unexpected problems during treatment requiring alterations to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Hydrocortisone (Hydrocoritsone). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.