A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex or produced synthetically, used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory and allergic conditions.
An adrenal cortical hormone. Commercially available forms include liquids, tablets, and creams, and there are a number of compounds available. It has many uses in addition to being a hormone replacement: it can be an anti-inflammatory, it can be used to combat shock, and it can be used to soothe many types of dermatitis.
A steroid hormone: the major glucocorticoid synthesized and released by the human adrenal cortex. It is important for normal carbohydrate metabolism and for the normal response to any stress. Hydrocortisone is used to treat adrenal failure (Addison’s disease) and inflammatory, allergic, and rheumatic conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and eczema). It may be given by mouth, by injection, or in the form of a cream or ointment. Possible side-effects of hydrocortisone therapy include peptic ulcers, bone and muscle damage, suppression of growth in children, and the signs of Cushing’s syndrome.
Hydrocortisone is closely allied to cortisone both in its structure and in its action. Available in tablet, topical or injection form, hydrocortisone is used in adrenocortical insufficiency, for the suppression of local and systemic inflammatory and allergic disorders, and in the treatment of shock. Its mineralocorticoid effects control of salt and water balance mean that the drug should not be used long term, except as replacement therapy in the treatment of addison’s disease or following adrenalectomy, when hydrocortisone should be given with the mineral corticoid fludrocortisone.
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and synthesized for medical use. It has anti-inflammatory, glucocorticoid, and sodium-retaining (mineralocorticoid) properties. It is used clinically to reduce the pain and inflammation of various conditions, including rashes, hemorrhoids, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It also is used as steroid replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency.
Also known as cortisol, hydrocortisone is a hormone that the adrenal glands naturally produce. Synthetic hydrocortisone is utilized as a corticosteroid medication to treat severe allergic conditions, for instance, it’s administered via injection to manage anaphylactic shock. It’s also applied as a replacement therapy when the adrenal glands aren’t functioning properly. Hydrocortisone is widely distributed in the form of a cream or ointment to treat inflammatory skin conditions like heat rash, effectively reducing itching. However, excessive use of hydrocortisone creams can lead to skin thinning, wrinkles, or pigment loss.