Clinical data | |
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Trade names | A-hydrocort, Cortef, Solu-cortef, others[1] |
Other names | Cortisol; 11β,17α,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione; 11β,17α,21-Trihydroxyprogesterone |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682206 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth (tablets), intravenous, topical, rectal |
Drug class | Corticosteroid; Glucocorticoid; Mineralocorticoid |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Oral: 96 ± 20%[11][12] |
Protein binding | 92 ± 2% (92–93%)[11][12] |
Metabolism | 11β-HSDs , others[12] |
Metabolites | Cortisone, others[12] |
Onset of action | Oral: 1.2 ± 0.4 hours (Tmax)[11] |
Elimination half-life | 1.2–2.0 hours[11][12] |
Duration of action | 8–12 hours[13] |
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Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C21H30O5 |
Molar mass | 362.466 g·mol−1 |
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Hydrocortisone is the name for the hormone cortisol when supplied as a medication.[14] Uses include conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenogenital syndrome, high blood calcium, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, asthma, and COPD.[1] It is the treatment of choice for adrenocortical insufficiency.[15] It can be given by mouth, topically, or by injection.[1] Stopping treatment after long-term use should be done slowly.[1]
Side effects may include mood changes, increased risk of infection, and edema (swelling).[1] With long-term use common side effects include osteoporosis, upset stomach, physical weakness, easy bruising, and candidiasis (yeast infections).[1] It is unclear if it is safe for use during pregnancy.[16] Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid and works as an anti-inflammatory and by immune suppression.[1]
Hydrocortisone was patented in 1936 and approved for medical use in 1941.[17][18] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[19] It is available as a generic medication.[1] In 2021, it was the 192nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions.[20][21]
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