Has your doctor prescribed you Hydrocortisone tablets ? Maybe it was for asthma , joint pain , a severe allergic reaction , or a skin condition. It's normal to have a little question and curiosity when you hear this name. "It's a steroid, isn't it good?" You might be thinking. Don't worry, today we'll talk about this medicine called Hydrocortisone, what it does, what you need to be careful about while using it, and everything else in a very simple and friendly way.
What kind of medicine is this Hydrocortisone?
Simply put, Hydrocortisone is a drug that belongs to a group of drugs called steroids . But it is not an illegal steroid used by athletes. It is a medically produced drug that works in a similar way to the hormone cortisol , which is naturally produced in our bodies.
Think about it, when our body experiences stress, infection, or danger, it produces a hormone called cortisol to deal with it. This hydrocortisone medication helps with that process. It mainly does a few things:
- Reduces swelling and inflammation in the body: This helps control swelling and pain caused by conditions like asthma and arthritis .
- Controls unwanted activity of the immune system: Sometimes our immune system can become overactive and attack our own body. In such cases, this medicine helps to control it.
- It restores cortisol levels in cases where the body's cortisol levels are low: Some medical conditions reduce the body's production of cortisol. At such times, these pills are used to provide this hormone externally.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before you start taking Hydrocortisone, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history . Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health conditions to inform your doctor about |
|---|
| • If you have diabetes or high blood pressure |
| • If you have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease |
| • If you have glaucoma |
| • If you have had a heart attack before |
| • If you have ulcers or other problems in the stomach or intestines |
| • If you have an existing infectious condition (e.g. tuberculosis, herpes, chickenpox) |
| • Mental health problems, conditions such as seizures or myasthenia gravis |
| • Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) or thyroid problems |
| • If you have allergies to hydrocortisone, other steroids, lactose, or other medications |
| • If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to take only the prescribed dosage, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- It is best to take it with a meal or a glass of milk to avoid stomach upset.
- If you only take it once a day, it is best to take it in the morning .
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
This is very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a severe reaction in your body. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and stop taking it.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with hydrocortisone
Other medications you are taking may interact with Hydrocortisone, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Type of medicine | Things to note |
|---|---|
| Things that should never be taken together | |
| Mifepristone | Avoid taking hydrocortisone with this medication. |
| Some vaccines | Talk to your doctor before receiving vaccines containing live viruses. |
| Other drugs that may interact | |
| Aspirin and similar painkillers | The risk of stomach bleeding may increase. |
| Blood thinners such as Warfarin | The effectiveness of medications may vary. |
| Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampin | May reduce the effectiveness of hydrocortisone. |
| Antibiotics like Ketoconazole and Clarithromycin | May increase the side effects of hydrocortisone. |
Things you should be careful about when taking medication
- Regular medical check-ups: Stay in regular contact with your doctor. Attend clinics to see how you are doing.
- Protecting yourself from infections: Your immune system may be slightly weakened while taking this medicine. So stay away from people who are sick . Especially if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor immediately.
- Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, tell your medical team that you have taken Hydrocortisone within the past 12 months.
- Diet: Ask your doctor if you need to reduce the amount of salt in your diet.
- Blood sugar levels: This medication may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether you need to make changes to your diet or diabetes medications.
Be aware of side effects
Like any medicine, hydrocortisone can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. The important thing is to be aware of these and seek medical advice if necessary.
| Side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Cushing's Syndrome | Fat accumulation around the stomach, neck, and face, thinning of the skin and the appearance of blood spots, and the appearance of pink/purple streaks on the skin. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Mental changes | Excessive anxiety, restlessness, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Body swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| What to tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome | |
| Acne | Acne on the face or body. |
| Increased appetite/weight gain | Feeling hungrier than before and gaining weight. |
| Headache, nausea, insomnia | These are normal occurrences, but if they persist, tell your doctor. |
How to store medicine safely?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Hydrocortisone is an important medication that controls inflammation and immune system function and should only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Before you start taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Most importantly: Never stop taking medication suddenly without medical advice.
- Be sure to protect yourself from infections and watch out for signs of serious side effects while taking the medication.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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