Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone
Clinical data
Trade names Cortef, Solu-Cortef, others[1]
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
MedlinePlus a682206
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: A
  • US: C (Risk not ruled out)
Routes of
administration		 By mouth (tablets), intravenous, topical, rectal
ATC code A01AC03 (WHO) A07EA02 (WHO) C05AA01 (WHO) D07AA02 (WHO) H02AB09 (WHO) S01BA02 (WHO) S02BA01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status
  • AU: Pharmacist only
  • UK: POM (Prescription only)
  • US: OTC for topical administration; Rx-only for oral tablets, rectal use and intravenous therapy
Identifiers
CAS Number 50-23-7 YesY
PubChem (CID) 5754
DrugBank DB00741 N
ChemSpider 5551 YesY
UNII WI4X0X7BPJ YesY
KEGG D00088 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:17650 YesY
ChEMBL CHEMBL389621 YesY
Chemical and physical data
Formula C21H30O5
Molar mass 362.460 g/mol
3D model (Jmol) Interactive image
 NYesY (what is this?)  (verify)

Hydrocortisone, sold under the brandname Cortef among others, is the name for the hormone cortisol when supplied as a medication.[2] Uses includes conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenogenital syndrome, high blood calcium, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, asthma, and COPD.[1] It is the treatment of choice for adrenocortical insufficiency.[3] It can be given by mouth or by injection.[1] After long-term use, if stopped this should be done slowly.[1]

Side effects may include mood changes, increased risk of infection, and swelling.[1] With long-term use common side effects include osteoporosis, upset stomach, physical weakness, easy bruising, and yeast infections.[1] While used, it is unclear if it is safe during pregnancy.[4] It works as an antiinflammatory and by immune suppression.[1]

Hydrocortisone was discovered in 1955.[5] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.[6] It is available as a generic medication.[1] The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 0.27 USD per day as of 2014 for the form taken by mouth.[7] In the United States it costs less than 25 USD for a typical month of treatment.[3]

Pharmacology

Cortisol for injection

Hydrocortisone is the pharmaceutical term for cortisol used in oral administration, intravenous injection, or topical application. It is used as an immunosuppressive drug, given by injection in the treatment of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, in place of prednisolone in patients needing steroid treatment but unable take oral medication, and perioperatively in patients on long-term steroid treatment to prevent Addisonian crisis. It may also be injected into inflamed joints resulting from diseases such as gout.

Compared to hydrocortisone, prednisolone is about four times as strong and dexamethasone about forty times as strong, in their anti-inflammatory effect.[8] Prednisolone can also be used as cortisol replacement, and at replacement dose levels (rather than anti-inflammatory levels), prednisolone is about eight times more potent than cortisol.[9] For side effects, see corticosteroid and prednisolone.

It may be used topically for allergic rashes, eczema, psoriasis, itching and other inflammatory skin conditions. Topical hydrocortisone creams and ointments are available in most countries without prescription in strengths ranging from 0.05% to 2.5% (depending on local regulations) with stronger forms available by prescription only. Covering the skin after application increases the absorption and effect. Such enhancement is sometimes prescribed, but otherwise should be avoided to prevent overdose and systemic impact.

Protein binding

Most serum cortisol (all but about 4%) is bound to proteins, including corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) and serum albumin. Free cortisol passes easily through cellular membranes, where they bind intracellular cortisol receptors.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Hydrocortisone". Drugs.com. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. February 9, 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  2. ↑ Becker, Kenneth L. (2001). Principles and Practice of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 762. ISBN 9780781717502.
  3. 1 2 Hamilton, Richart (2015). Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2015 Deluxe Lab-Coat Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 202. ISBN 9781284057560.
  4. ↑ "Hydrocortisone Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings". Drugs.com. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  5. ↑ Walker, S. R. (2012). Trends and Changes in Drug Research and Development. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 109. ISBN 9789400926592.
  6. ↑ "WHO Model List of EssentialMedicines" (PDF). World Health Organization. October 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
  7. ↑ "Hydrocortisone". International Drug Price Indicator Guide. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  8. ↑ "Dexamethasone". drugs.com. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  9. ↑ Caldato, Milena C. F.; Fernandes, Vânia T.; Kater, Claudio E. (2004-10-01). "One-year clinical evaluation of single morning dose prednisolone therapy for 21-hydroxylase deficiency". Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia e Metabologia. 48 (5): 705–712. doi:10.1590/S0004-27302004000500017. ISSN 0004-2730. PMID 15761542.
  10. ↑ Boron WF, Boulpaep EL (2011). Medical Physiology (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders. ISBN 1-4377-1753-5.
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