Hydrocortisone Acetate
Corticosteroid, Systemic · Corticosteroid
Indications
Rheumatic diseases.
Dosage
Rheumatic diseases: Adults: I/A: Large joints: 25 mg (upto 37.5 mg), Small joints: 10- 25 mg, Tendon sheaths: 5- 12.5 mg, Soft tissue infiltration: 25- 50 mg (upto 75 mg), Bursae: 25- 37.5 mg, Ganglia: 12.5-25 mg; (soft tissue injection so intralesional, intra-articular given).
Administration
Administer by IV injection, IV infusion or IM injection, the preferred method for initial emergency use being IV injection following the initial emergency period, consideration should be given to employing a longer-acting injectable preparation or an oral preparation. Stability: Store unreconstituted product and solution at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F). Protect from light. Use solution only if it is clear. Unused solution should be discarded after 3 days.
Adverse Effects
Endocrine irregularities including menstrual problems, Cushingoid state, adrenal suppression, growth suppression in children. Increased susceptibility to infection, increased severity of infection. Fluid/electrolyte disturbance, hypertension, negative protein, nitrogen and calcium balance. Myopathy, tendon rupture, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis and fractures. Impaired wound healing, sweating, hirsutism, striae, telangiectasia, acne. GI disturbance, peptic ulceration, acute pancreatitis, candidiasis. Psychiatric effects, neurological effects, insomnia. Diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, weight gain, increased appetite. Ocular disturbances including cataracts, raised intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, corneal changes, glaucoma. Thromboembolism, leukocytosis.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Systemic fungal infections unless specific anti-infective therapy is used. Head injury, stroke. Precautions: Active infections not controlled by antibiotics. Latent or active amoebiasis. History of TB, septicaemia, symptoms may be masked. Avoid or maintain extreme cautions in chickenpox, measles, psychiatric disorders, renal impairment, hepatic failure, cirrhosis, active peptic ulcer, Myasthaenia gravis, previous steroid myopathy, osteoporosis, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, adrenal suppression, hypertension, recent MI, congestive heart failure, thromboembolic disorders, glaucoma, corneal perforation. WITHDRAWAL: Withdrawal gradually. Withdrawal symptoms may include fever, myalgia, arthralgia, rhinitis, itchy skin nodules and weight loss.
Interactions
Live vaccines or other vaccines, anticoagulants, hypoglycaemia agents, antihypertensives, diuretics, erythromycin, rifamycin, amphotericin, azole antifungals, ritonavir, cyclosporin, cardiac glycosides. Oestrogens including oral contraceptives, somatropin. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates. Muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, salicylates, sympathomimetics, mifepristone, methotrexate, theophylline, aprepitant.
Advice to Patient
Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower down the dose then stop. Contact prescriber if there are signs of infection (such as chills, fever, sore throat, injury), swelling of ankles/hands/feet, sudden weight gain (5 lb per week), abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, dark red or black stools, severe vomiting, weakness, anorexia, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, unusual changes in mood. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Have regular eye examinations if you are on long-term therapy. Carry or wear medical identification if you are on long-term therapy. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infections. Avoid people with infections especially chicken pox or measles.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.