Hydrocortisone

Indications

Severe inflammatory flares of IBD in adults and children 2–17 years old

Contraindications

Severe hepatic impairment; congestive heart failure; diabetes; diverticulitis; epilepsy; glaucoma; hypertension; hypothyroidism; infection; myasthenia gravis; herpes simplex eye infection; osteoporosis; peptic ulcer; psychiatric reactions; recent intestinal anastomoses; recent myocardial infarction; severe affective disorders (particularly if history of steroid-induced psychosis); thromboembolic disorders. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding if benefit outweighs risk. Caution in renal impairment | Potential side effects: Anxiety; changes in mood and behaviour; cataracts; cognitive impairment; Cushing’s syndrome; electrolyte imbalance; fatigue; fluid retention; gastrointestinal discomfort; headache; impaired healing; hirsutism; hypertension; increased risk of infection; menstrual cycle irregularities; nausea; osteoporosis; peptic ulcer; psychotic disorder; skin reactions; sleep disorders; weight increase

Preparations Available

Intravenous injection/infusion

Quantity

Dose: Adults: 100–500mg 3–4 daily or as required; in children: 2.5mg/kg infusion every 6 hours (max 100mg per dose) or 10mg/kg continuous infusion daily (max 400mg per day)

Sizes Available

100mg/1ml solution for injection ampoules (5), £10.60; 100mg powder for solution for injection vials (10), £9.17

Price

100mg/1ml solution for injection ampoules (5), £10.60; 100mg powder for solution for injection vials (10), £9.17

More on: Corticosteroids