Did the doctor prescribe Hydrocortisone granules for your little one? You may have felt a little scared and unfamiliar when you saw it. You may have many questions in your mind, such as, 'What kind of medicine is this? How do I give it to my baby? What should I be careful about?' Don't worry, we'll talk about all this simply and clearly.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, hydrocortisone is a synthetic medicine that is similar to the hormone cortisol that our bodies produce naturally. Some children do not produce enough of this hormone. This condition is called adrenal insufficiency.
Think about it, when our body experiences stress, illness, or injury, this cortisol hormone is very important to cope with it. So, when it is not enough in the body, this medicine is given externally to make up for the deficiency. This belongs to the group of drugs called steroids. Some people are afraid of the word 'steroids', but when given at the right dose and for the right time, as directed by a doctor, these are essential treatments for many medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication on your child, it is very important to give the doctor a complete description of his or her health. Be sure to tell him or her about any of the following conditions:
- Current medical conditions: If the child has diabetes , high blood pressure , glaucoma , a liver problem, a bone-weakening condition like osteoporosis , a stomach or intestinal problem, a mental health problem, or an existing infection.
- Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to this hydrocortisone medication or any other medication, food, or dye.
- Surgeries and vaccinations: If you are going to have surgery in the future, or if you have recently received or are going to receive a vaccine, inform your doctor about it.
Giving all this information to the doctor will help him provide the most appropriate and safest treatment for the child.
How to give this medicine to a baby? Let's find out exactly!
This is the biggest problem for many parents. It contains small granules inside a capsule. You have to be very careful when giving this.
Very important: Never let your baby swallow the capsule whole. And never let them chew or crush the capsules inside.
There are two main ways to give these dice.
1. If given with food...
- First, wash and clean your hands thoroughly.
- Carefully open the capsule and place all the granules in a small spoonful of soft food, such as yogurt or fruit puree. Gently tap the capsule to see if all the granules have fallen out.
- Give the spoonful prepared in this way to the child within 5 minutes . If time passes, it may taste bitter.
- After giving the medicine, give some water, milk, breast milk, or formula to make sure that all the granules remaining in the mouth are swallowed.
2. If you give without food...
- Open the capsule and place all the granules directly on the child's tongue or on a clean spoon and put them in the child's mouth.
- Then, immediately give some water, milk, breast milk, or formula to make sure all the granules are swallowed.
Another important thing: Do not mix these granules with a liquid (like water or milk) and dissolve them. Doing so may cause the baby to not receive the correct dose, and may leave a bitter taste in the mouth.
Things to consider when administering medication
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a serious reaction. If you do stop, you should gradually reduce the dose as your doctor tells you.
- Be careful of infections: While taking this medicine, the risk of developing infections may be slightly increased. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and call your doctor. It is best to limit the number of times you take your child to places where sick people are.
- Child's growth: This medicine may slow down the child's growth if taken in high doses for a long time. Therefore, the doctor will regularly monitor the child's height and weight.
- Blood sugar: This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. If your child has diabetes, you should be especially careful about this.
- Passing out pellets with stool: Sometimes you may see pellets of this medicine passing out with your child's stool. Don't be alarmed if you see this. It doesn't mean the medicine hasn't worked. Don't give another dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be aware of.
| Side effects and what to do | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of Cushing syndrome | Fat deposits around the stomach, neck, and face, purple streaks on the skin, and thinning of the skin. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Thirst more than usual, frequent urination, extreme fatigue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, non-healing wounds, sore throat. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, agitation, depression, severe changes in behavior. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Usually not dangerous (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Other side effects | Acne, headaches, increased appetite, weight gain, nausea, insomnia. |
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the scheduled time. Never give a double dose. If your baby vomits after taking the medicine, call your doctor for advice.
What if the child gets too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think your child has received more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Hydrocortisone is an essential medication that restores low cortisol hormone levels in a child's body.
- Do not swallow the capsule. Take only the capsule inside, with or without food, without dissolving it in liquid.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- If you develop a fever, signs of infection, or severe side effects (such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing), notify your doctor immediately.
- Tell the doctor about all other medications your child is taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
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