Hydrocortisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Hydrocortisone reduces swelling and
decreases the body’s immune response.
Hydrocortisone is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine
(hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to
treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma,
ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Hydrocortisone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Take hydrocortisone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
Take oral hydrocortisone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Measure the liquid with the dropper provided or with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring spoon if you do not have one.
Hydrocortisone may also be administered as an injection. Your healthcare provider will
administer the injection or will give you detailed instructions regarding how to inject the medication
at home.
If you are taking one dose daily, take that dose before 9 a.m. if possible, to follow the body’s
natural cycle. If you take more than one dose daily, space the doses evenly throughout the day as
directed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking hydrocortisone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks.
You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.
Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking
hydrocortisone in the case of an emergency.
Store hydrocortisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking hydrocortisone
and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred
vision); or
sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take hydrocortisone and talk to your doctor if you experience
insomnia;
nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
fatigue or dizziness;
muscle weakness or joint pain;
problems with diabetes control; or
increased hunger or thirst.
Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses or
prolonged use of hydrocortisone may include
acne;
increased hair growth;
thinning of the skin,
cataracts;
glaucoma;
osteoporosis;
roundness of the face; and
changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with hydrocortisone without first talking to your
doctor. Many other medicines can interact with hydrocortisone resulting in side effects or altered
effectiveness of the medications.
Use alcohol cautiously. Acting together, alcohol and hydrocortisone can be damaging to
the stomach.
Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from the mouth
and eyes. The immune system may be weakened while taking hydrocortisone.
Do not receive any immunizations during treatment with hydrocortisone without first talking
to your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to
cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose—large
doses taken over a period of time.
Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face;
increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen
hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.
If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you
don’t remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only the regular daily dose.
If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you
remember, or you can take two doses (the missed dose plus the regularly scheduled dose) when it is
time for the next dose.
If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go
back to your regular every-other-day schedule.
Do not stop taking hydrocortisone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks.
You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.
Take oral hydrocortisone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking
hydrocortisone in the case of an emergency.
Do not take hydrocortisone if you have a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
Hydrocortisone weakens the body’s immune response and thus its ability to fight infection.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease;
liver disease;
high blood pressure or heart disease;
ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or stomach ulcers;
hypothyroidism;
a psychiatric condition;
osteoporosis;
myasthenia gravis;
diabetes mellitus; or
any other medical conditions.
You may not be able to take hydrocortisone, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Hydrocortisone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether hydrocortisone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Hydrocortisone passes into breast milk. Do not take hydrocortisone without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Hydrocortisone is available with a prescription under the brand name Cortef. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
Cortef 5 mg—white, scored tablets
Cortef 10 mg—white, scored tablets
Cortef 20 mg—white, scored tablets
Cortef Suspension 10 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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