Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid medicine used to treat severe inflammation, allergic reactions, adrenal insufficiency, and certain emergency conditions. It works by reducing the body’s immune response and controlling inflammation quickly and effectively. Hydrocortisone is often used in hospital settings for acute asthma attacks, severe allergic reactions, adrenal crisis, and inflammatory disorders. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent side effects and to ensure safe, effective treatment.

Hydrocortisone is a fast-acting corticosteroid widely prescribed to manage moderate to severe inflammation, immune disorders, and adrenal hormone deficiency. As a synthetic form of cortisol, Hydrocortisone replicates the natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands, helping regulate immune function, metabolism, and the body’s response to stress. It is commonly used in emergency and hospital settings for conditions such as adrenal crisis, severe asthma exacerbations, anaphylaxis, acute allergies, rheumatoid flare-ups, and certain inflammatory bowel diseases.

The medicine works by suppressing excessive immune activity, reducing swelling, redness, and pain, and restoring hormonal balance in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone 100 mg is also used for pre-operative and post-operative steroid coverage in patients with known adrenal disorders to prevent complications such as shock or low blood pressure.

Depending on the patient’s condition, the injection may be given intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or as continuous infusion in critical cases. Because the dose and duration vary widely between individuals, Hydrocortisone must always be administered under strict medical supervision. Long-term or repeated use requires monitoring for blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, infections, and adrenal suppression. Hydrocortisone is an essential emergency medicine that provides rapid relief and stabilisation in life-threatening situations. Patients with adrenal insufficiency may be advised to carry emergency steroid cards or injections to avoid adrenal crisis during illness or stress. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never stop corticosteroid treatment abruptly without guidance.

• Treatment of adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis
• Management of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
• Acute asthma attacks and severe inflammatory airway conditions
• Treatment of autoimmune flare-ups (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Management of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Relief from severe skin, joint, or muscle inflammation
• Pre-operative or post-operative steroid coverage for patients with adrenal disorders
• Emergency stabilisation in septic shock (when used as per protocol)

Hydrocortisone provides rapid anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive benefits during acute medical conditions. By mimicking natural cortisol, it quickly restores hormonal balance in adrenal insufficiency, preventing life-threatening complications such as severe hypotension or shock. For patients experiencing intense allergic reactions, Hydrocortisone helps reduce itching, swelling, and airway inflammation, supporting breathing and stabilising vital signs.

In autoimmune flare-ups or severe inflammatory diseases, Hydrocortisone provides fast relief from pain, redness, and tissue inflammation. It is also valuable in managing severe asthma attacks, where airway swelling must be reduced urgently. Because of its reliable and fast action, Hydrocortisone remains a cornerstone medicine in emergency and critical care.

• Increased blood pressure
• Fluid retention or swelling
• High blood sugar levels
• Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
• Stomach upset or indigestion
• Increased risk of infections
• Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium)
• Weight gain with repeated doses
• Delayed wound healing
• In rare cases: adrenal suppression with prolonged use

Hydrocortisone is administered only by a healthcare professional.

• Given through IV injection, IV infusion, or intramuscular injection depending on the condition.
• Dose and frequency are tailored to medical need and response.
• Do not self-administer unless specifically trained (e.g., adrenal crisis emergency injection).
• Follow all instructions provided by your doctor or emergency specialist.

Hydrocortisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that mimics cortisol, the body’s natural hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and influencing gene expression to reduce inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, histamines, and cytokines. This results in decreased swelling, redness, and immune activity.

In adrenal insufficiency, Hydrocortisone replaces the cortisol that the body cannot produce, helping regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and the stress response. It also aids in maintaining vascular tone and preventing circulatory collapse during adrenal crisis. Its rapid onset of action makes Hydrocortisone a vital medicine in emergency care for shock, allergic reactions, asthma exacerbations, and severe inflammatory conditions.

• Carry a Steroid Alert Card if you are on long-term therapy.
• Do not stop Hydrocortisone suddenly to avoid adrenal crisis.
• Inform all healthcare providers before surgery or dental work.
• Monitor blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar during treatment.
• Keep emergency injection kits handy if you have adrenal insufficiency.

• Store below 25°C in a dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight.
• Do not freeze the injection.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Use immediately after opening the vial.
• Check expiry date before use.

Hydrocortisone can be taken with or without food, but certain foods may affect its side effect profile.

Avoid:

• Excessive salt (may increase swelling or blood pressure)
• Large amounts of sugary foods (may worsen blood glucose control)
• Alcohol (increases stomach irritation and risk of ulcers)
• Patients with diabetes should monitor sugar intake closely, as Hydrocortisone can raise blood sugar levels.

Hydrocortisone may interact with several medications, affecting efficacy or increasing side effects.

Possible interactions with:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen): Increase risk of stomach ulcers
• Diuretics: May worsen low potassium levels
• Antidiabetic medicines: Hydrocortisone may increase blood sugar
• Vaccines: Reduced effectiveness or increased reaction risk
• Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole): May increase steroid levels
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): May alter International Normalised Ratio (INR) levels
• Inform your doctor about all medicines you take.

Hydrocortisone should be used with caution in people with underlying health conditions, as it may worsen certain diseases.

Caution in:

• Diabetes (can raise blood sugar)
• High blood pressure
• Kidney or heart disease (causes fluid retention)
• Infections (lowers immunity)
• Stomach ulcers
• Psychiatric disorders (may cause mood changes)
• Osteoporosis
• Always discuss your medical history before starting treatment.

The dose varies widely depending on the condition. In emergencies, doses may range from 100 to 500 mg initially, followed by repeated doses every 6–8 hours. For an adrenal crisis, 100 mg IV is typically given immediately. Your doctor will decide the exact dose based on severity and response.

Taking too much Hydrocortisone may cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, increased blood sugar, confusion, or electrolyte imbalance. Seek immediate medical care if overdose is suspected. Supportive treatment and monitoring may be required.

Hydrocortisone 100 mg injections are usually given in hospitals or by trained individuals, so missed doses are uncommon. If you are on home therapy for adrenal insufficiency and miss a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double the dose. Missing doses in adrenal insufficiency may cause weakness, dizziness, or low blood pressure, seek medical help urgently if symptoms appear.