Hydrocortisone

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2022
Drug Description

What is Hydrocortisone and how is it used?

Hydrocortisone is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency, and asthma.

  • Hydrocortisone may be used alone or with other medications.
  • Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called Corticosteroids.

What are the possible side effects of Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone may cause serious side effects including:

  • blurred vision,
  • tunnel vision,
  • eye pain,
  • seeing halos around lights,
  • muscle weakness,
  • loss of muscle mass,
  • new or unusual pain in your joints, bones, or muscles,
  • severe headaches,
  • ringing in your ears,
  • pain behind your eyes,
  • unusual changes in mood or behavior,
  • convulsions (a seizure),
  • shortness of breath,
  • swelling,
  • rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection),
  • fever,
  • chills,
  • cough,
  • trouble breathing,
  • sores in your mouth or on your skin,
  • diarrhea,
  • burning when you urinate,
  • slow wound healing,
  • skin discoloration,
  • thinning skin,
  • increased body hair,
  • tiredness,
  • menstrual changes,
  • sexual changes,
  • weakness,
  • tiredness,
  • nausea,
  • menstrual changes,
  • skin discoloration,
  • craving salty foods, and
  • lightheadedness

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Hydrocortisone include:

  • thinning skin,
  • bruising or discoloration,
  • increased sweating,
  • stomach bloating,
  • changes in your menstrual periods,
  • increased appetite,
  • weight gain,
  • headache,
  • dizziness, and
  • trouble sleeping

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Hydrocortisone. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DESCRIPTION

Active Ingredient

Hydrocortisone 1%

Inactive Ingredients

aloe barbadensis leaf juice, white petrolatum

Indications

INDICATIONS

Purpose

Anti-itch

Uses

  • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to:
  • eczema
  • psoriasis
  • poison ivy, oak, sumac
  • insect bites
  • detergents
  • jewelry
  • cosmetics
  • soaps
  • seborrheic dermatitis
  • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching
  • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor

SLIDESHOW

Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers See Slideshow
Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Directions

  • for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes:
  • adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
  • children under 2 years of age: do not use, ask a doctor
  • for external anal and genital itching, adults:
  • when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly
  • gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying
  • apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
  • children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor

HOW SUPPLIED

Other Information

  • store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)

Active Ingredient

Hydrocortisone 1%

Inactive Ingredients

aloe barbadensis leaf juice, white petrolatum

Questions or comments ?

1-800-719-9260

American Sales Company. Revised: Jun 2016

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

SIDE EFFECTS

No information provided.

Please see WARNINGS Section.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No information provided.

QUESTION

Allergies can best be described as: See Answer
Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

For external use only

Do not use

When using this product

  • avoid contact with the eyes
  • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor
  • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • condition worsens
  • symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor
  • rectal bleeding occurs

Keep out of reach of children.

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

PRECAUTIONS

No information provided.

Please see WARNINGS Section.

Overdose & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

No information provided.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

No information provided.

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

No information provided.

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

For external use only

Do not use

When using this product

  • avoid contact with the eyes
  • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor
  • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • condition worsens
  • symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor
  • rectal bleeding occurs

Keep out of reach of children.

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

FDA Logo

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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