This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- allergic reaction
- autoimmune disorder
- blood disorder
- diagnostic test
- endocrine disorder
- inflammatory disease
- immune suppression
- cancer
- COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Brand Name(s): Cortef
Generic Name: Hydrocortisone
Instructions
Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- headaches
- menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
- nausea
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- sweating
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- bone pain
- chest pain
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- depression or feeling sad
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- hair growth
- severe or persistent headache
- fast or irregular heart beats
- mood changes
- mouth sores or irritation
- muscle cramps or weakness
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- thinning of the skin
- severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
- dark, tarry stool
- persistent or unusual thirst
- yeast infection of mouth
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- increased urinary frequency
- vaginal itching or yeast infection
- blurring or changes of vision
- severe or persistent vomiting
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about HYDROCORTISONE - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
