Hydrocortisone

Information about Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone Uses

Hydrocortisone is used in the treatment of severe allergic reactions, allergic conditions, cancer, skin disorders and eye disorders.

How Hydrocortisone works

Hydrocortisone is a steroid which works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies.

Common side effects of Hydrocortisone

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Increased risk of infection, Weight gain, Mood changes
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Love Sharma
PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
25 Aug 2021 | 07:44 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Hydrocortisone

Expert advice for Hydrocortisone

  • Hydrocortisone helps treat inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems that require either reduction of inflammation or suppression of the immune system.
  • Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
  • Hydrocortisone can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.
  • Side effects such as mood changes or stomach problems can happen when you start taking Hydrocortisone. Inform your doctor if this bothers you.
  • Do not stop taking Hydrocortisone suddenly without talking to your doctor first as it may worsen your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions for Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone

Q. How does Hydrocortisone work?

Hydrocortisone works by reducing the inflammation which helps in treating many illnesses caused due to active inflammation. In addition to that, it stops the autoimmune reactions which occur when your body's immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage.

Q. Is Hydrocortisone a steroid?

Yes, Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine also known as corticosteroids which occur naturally in the body. These corticosteroids help to maintain health and wellbeing. Hydrocortisone increases the levels of corticosteroids in the body by treating various illnesses involving inflammation (redness, tenderness, heat and swelling).

Q. What is Hydrocortisone used for?

Hydrocortisone has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is used to treat many conditions like allergic conditions, anaphylaxis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory skin diseases. It also helps to treat autoimmune diseases (these diseases happen when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage), and certain eye disorders.

Q. How is Hydrocortisone administered?

Hydrocortisone should be administered by a doctor or under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. Usually, it is given into a muscle (intramuscular), joint (intra-articular), directly into a vein (direct intravenous), infusion or into the area being treated (soft tissue infiltration). Your doctor will decide the dose based on the condition you are being treated for and also your body weight. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Hydrocortisone.

Q. I was given Hydrocortisone in the knee as I have arthritis. Will it pain after taking Hydrocortisone? What should I do about it?

Hydrocortisone effectively treats many inflammatory conditions, joint pain and inflammation in arthritis being one of its multiple uses. Usually, the pain gets better after a day or two. Try not to have frequent movement for about 24 hours after the injection and do not do any heavy exercise for best results. However, if you experience pain, consult your doctor. The doctor may prescribe some over the counter pain medications if the pain persists for longer or if it bothers you a lot.

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