A-Hydrocort

 
Generic Name: hydrocortisone

Brands: Cortef, Hydrocortone

---

What is the most important information I should know about A-Hydrocort?

· Do not stop taking A-Hydrocort suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.

· Take oral A-Hydrocort with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

· Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking A-Hydrocort in the case of an emergency.

 

What is A-Hydrocort?

· A-Hydrocort is in a class of drugs called steroids. A-Hydrocort reduces swelling and decreases the body's immune response.

· A-Hydrocort is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.

· A-Hydrocort may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking A-Hydrocort?

· Do not take A-Hydrocort if you have a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. A-Hydrocort weakens the body's immune response and thus its ability to fight infection.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease;     ·liver disease;     ·high blood pressure or heart disease;     ·ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or stomach ulcers;     ·hypothyroidism;     ·a psychiatric condition;     ·osteoporosis;     ·myasthenia gravis;     ·diabetes mellitus; or     ·any other medical conditions.

· You may not be able to take A-Hydrocort, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· A-Hydrocort is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether A-Hydrocort will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· A-Hydrocort passes into breast milk. Do not take A-Hydrocort without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take A-Hydrocort?

· Take A-Hydrocort exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

· Take oral A-Hydrocort with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

· Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

· Measure the liquid with the dropper provided or with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring spoon if you do not have one.

· A-Hydrocort may also be administered as an injection. Your healthcare provider will administer the injection or will give you detailed instructions regarding how to inject the medication at home.

· If you are taking one dose daily, take that dose before 9 a.m. if possible, to follow the body's natural cycle. If you take more than one dose daily, space the doses evenly throughout the day as directed by your doctor.

· Do not stop taking A-Hydrocort suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.

· Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking A-Hydrocort in the case of an emergency.

· Store A-Hydrocort at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only the regular daily dose.

· If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or you can take two doses (the missed dose plus the regularly scheduled dose) when it is time for the next dose.

· If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose--large doses taken over a period of time.

· Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.

 

What should I avoid while taking A-Hydrocort?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Acting together, alcohol and A-Hydrocort can be damaging to the stomach.

· Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from the mouth and eyes. The immune system may be weakened while taking A-Hydrocort.

· Do not receive any immunizations during treatment with A-Hydrocort without first talking to your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of A-Hydrocort?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking A-Hydrocort and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or     ·sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take A-Hydrocort and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·insomnia;     ·nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;     ·fatigue or dizziness;     ·muscle weakness or joint pain;     ·problems with diabetes control; or     ·increased hunger or thirst.

· Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses or prolonged use of A-Hydrocort may include     ·acne;     ·increased hair growth;     ·thinning of the skin,     ·cataracts;     ·glaucoma;     ·osteoporosis;     ·roundness of the face; and     ·changes in behavior.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect A-Hydrocort?

· Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with A-Hydrocort without first talking to your doctor. Many other medicines can interact with A-Hydrocort resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness of the medications.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about A-Hydrocort written for health professionals that you may read.

Print this page