- HYDROCORTISONE
Description
Treat asthma, serious skin disorders, arthritis, and other conditions.
Brand Name(s)
Hydrocortisone (Oral)
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to any
cortisone drugs such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone.
How to use and store this medicine
Tablets/Syrup/Solution/Elixir:
- Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
- You should not use more often or for longer periods than
your doctor ordered.
- Take with food or milk.
- If using liquid, carefully measure your dose using a marked
measuring spoon or dropper that may come with the medicine.
- Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat,
moisture, and light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- If you take the medicine once or several times a day, take
the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is
almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the
missed dose. You should not use two doses at the same time.
- If you take the medicine every other day, take the missed
dose that same morning. If you remember the missed dose later in the day, skip the missed
dose and take the dose the next morning and then go back to your regular schedule.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- It is best not to drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking aspirin,
arthritis medicine, diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide, estrogens
(Premarin® or birth control pills), Dilantin®, or phenobarbital.
- Immunizations or vaccines might not work as well while you
are taking this medicine.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor
before taking this medicine.
- Check with your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease, AIDS, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers,
tuberculosis, herpes infection, any other type of viral or bacterial infection before you
take any corticosteroid.
- Before you have any surgery, make sure your doctor or
dentist knows that you are taking this medicine.
- If you have diabetes, corticosteroids may increase your
blood sugar level.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Unexplained fever or sore throat
- Pain when going to the bathroom (urinating)
- Muscle aches
- Hallucinations, sudden mood changes
- Bloody or black stools
- Blurred vision, eye pain
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
talk with your doctor:
- Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness or trouble sleeping
- Headache, dizziness
- Increased hair growth
- Acne or thin skin
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Fluid retention (swollen feet or ankles), weight gain
