A - Hydrocort

Hospira | A - Hydrocort (Medication)


Desc:

A - Hydrocort is used in the treatment of various conditions such as severe allergic reactions, arthritis, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye diseases, intestinal disorders, and skin diseases. It decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid) produced by your adrenal glands.

This injectable form of hydrocortisone is used when a similar drug cannot be taken by mouth or when a very fast treatment is needed, especially in patients with severe medical conditions. This drug may also be used with other medications as a replacement for certain hormones. ...

Side Effect:

Common side effects may include:stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual period changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, weight gain, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur.

Inform your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/slow/pounding/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, tendon pain, persistent weight gain, puffy face, unusual hair growth, thinning skin, slow wound healing, signs of infection (e. g. , persistent fever/cough/sore throat, painful urination, eye pain/discharge), muscle weakness/pain, mental/mood changes (e. g. , mood swings, depression, agitation), vision changes, seizures, unusual skin growths. ...

Precaution:

General precautions may include drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.

There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex for fear of corneal perforation. The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment, and when reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction must be gradual.

Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended to use this medicine without your doctor's advice. ...