Drug reference
hydrocortisone
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Endocrine (Adrenocortical Drugs)
Mechanism of action
Glucocorticoid; elicits mild mineralocorticoid activity and moderate anti-inflammatory effects; controls or prevents inflammation by controlling rate of protein synthesis, suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and fibroblasts, and reversing capillary permeability.
Common side effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Sodium retention, Fluid retention.
- Muscle weakness, Osteoporosis
- Peptic ulcer, Ulcerative esophagitis.
- Impaired wound healing, Facial erythema.
Contraindications
- Untreated serious infections (except tuberculous meningitis or septic shock) Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (IM administration only) Intrathecal administration (injection) Use in premature infants (formulations containing benzyl alcohol only) Documented hypersensitivity Systemic…
Known interactions (6)
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is hydrocortisone?
hydrocortisone belongs to: Endocrine.
How does hydrocortisone work?
Glucocorticoid; elicits mild mineralocorticoid activity and moderate anti-inflammatory effects; controls or prevents inflammation by controlling rate of protein synthesis, suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and fibroblasts, and reversing capillary permeability.
What are the common side effects of hydrocortisone?
Increased appetite and weight gain, Sodium retention, Fluid retention., Muscle weakness, Osteoporosis, Peptic ulcer, Ulcerative esophagitis., Impaired wound healing, Facial erythema.
Which drugs interact with hydrocortisone?
mifepristone, aspirin, measles mumps and rubella vaccine, hepatitis a vaccine inactivated, pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent, warfarin
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.