Hydrocortisone 10mg tablet 30’ct
Medication Overview
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication used to treat a variety of conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, cancer, and severe allergies.
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dosage for adults can range from 20-240 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated. The starting dose is typically 20-60 mg per day, which may be adjusted based on the patient’s response.
- Hydrocortisone tablets should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. The dosage schedule may be 1-4 times per day or every other day, as directed by the doctor.
- Suddenly stopping hydrocortisone after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms, so the dosage should be tapered gradually under a doctor’s supervision.
Strength and Availability
- The 10 mg strength is one of the common dosages available for hydrocortisone tablets, along with 5 mg and 20 mg.
- Hydrocortisone 10 mg tablets are available in both brand-name (e.g. Cortef) and generic forms.
Important Considerations
- Hydrocortisone can weaken the immune system, so patients should avoid live vaccines and contact with people who have infections while taking this medication.
Description
Medication Overview
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication used to treat a variety of conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, cancer, and severe allergies.
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dosage for adults can range from 20-240 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated. The starting dose is typically 20-60 mg per day, which may be adjusted based on the patient’s response.
- Hydrocortisone tablets should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. The dosage schedule may be 1-4 times per day or every other day, as directed by the doctor.
- Suddenly stopping hydrocortisone after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms, so the dosage should be tapered gradually under a doctor’s supervision.
Strength and Availability
- The 10 mg strength is one of the common dosages available for hydrocortisone tablets, along with 5 mg and 20 mg.
- Hydrocortisone 10 mg tablets are available in both brand-name (e.g. Cortef) and generic forms.
Important Considerations
- Hydrocortisone can weaken the immune system, so patients should avoid live vaccines and contact with people who have infections while taking this medication.
Key Benefits of Hydrocortisone 10mg Tablets
Reduces Inflammation
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid medication that works to reduce inflammation in the body. It is effective at treating conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis, allergic reactions, asthma, and skin conditions.
Replaces Adrenal Hormones
Hydrocortisone can be used as replacement therapy for people who are deficient in natural adrenal hormones, such as those with congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal insufficiency.
Versatile Treatment
Hydrocortisone tablets can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including blood/hormone/immune system disorders, breathing problems, cancer, and more. The dosage is adjusted based on the specific condition being treated.
Key Ingredient
The active ingredient in hydrocortisone 10mg tablets is hydrocortisone, which is a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and help maintain health and well-being.Hydrocortisone works by mimicking the effects of the natural corticosteroid hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. By supplementing the body with synthetic hydrocortisone, it can help reduce inflammation and treat a variety of conditions.      Hydrocortisone, the active ingredient in hydrocortisone 10mg tablets, has the following mechanism of action:                                                      Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability. It binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, and the receptor-ligand complex translocates into the cell nucleus to bind to glucocorticoid response elements in the promoter region of target genes, increasing expression of specific genes.The anti-inflammatory actions of hydrocortisone involve inducing lipocortin-1 (annexin-1) synthesis, which binds to cell membranes preventing phospholipase A2 from accessing its substrate arachidonic acid, leading to diminished production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Hydrocortisone also suppresses cyclooxygenase expression, further inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.Additionally, hydrocortisone stimulates lipocortin-1 to escape to the extracellular space, where it binds to leukocyte membrane receptors and inhibits various inflammatory processes like epithelial adhesion, emigration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and release of inflammatory mediators from neutrophils, macrophages and mast cells.             Â
HydrocortisoneMedication form of the hormone cortisolMoreDefinitionHydrocortisone is the pharmaceutical form of cortisol, used to treat various conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, arthritis, dermatitis, and asthma.Application methodsCan be administered orally, topically, or by injection.Common side effectsMood changes, increased infection risk, edema, osteoporosis, upset stomach, physical weakness, easy bruising, candidiasis.Hydrocortisone has a characteristic steroid ring structure consisting of four fused carbon rings labeled A, B, C, and D. The key structural features of hydrocortisone’s rings are:- The A ring has a keto group (C=O) at carbon 3 and a double bond between carbons 4 and 5. This is necessary for glucocorticoid activity.
- The C ring has a β-oriented hydroxyl group (-OH) at carbon 11. This is also required for glucocorticoid effects.
- The D ring has a keto group at carbon 20 and a β-oriented hydroxyl group at carbon 21.
The complete IUPAC name of hydrocortisone is 11β,17α,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, reflecting the hydroxyl groups and keto groups on the rings.
Precautions and Warnings
- Steroid Treatment Card:
- Patients taking hydrocortisone for more than three weeks should carry a blue “Steroid Treatment” card. This card should be shown to any doctor or nurse treating them.
- Infections:
- Patients should avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or shingles, even if they have had these diseases previously. If contact occurs, the patient should see their doctor immediately.
- Driving and Operating Machinery:
- Patients should not drive or operate machinery if they experience changes in vision or muscle weakness. These conditions may occur during treatment with hydrocortisone.
- Mental Health:
- Hydrocortisone can cause serious mental health problems, which are common in both adults and children. These problems may affect about 5 in every 100 people taking this medication.
- Immune System:
- Hydrocortisone can weaken the immune system, making it harder to know if you have an infection. Patients should avoid live vaccines and may need to use killed or inactivated vaccines instead.
- Stopping Treatment:
- Patients should not stop taking hydrocortisone suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. The dosage should be tapered gradually under a doctor’s supervision.
- Allergic Reactions:
- Patients with an intolerance to some sugars should contact their doctor before taking hydrocortisone, as it contains lactose.
- Storage:
- Hydrocortisone tablets should be stored in the original blister to protect them from light. They should not be thrown away via wastewater or household waste, but rather disposed of according to local regulations.
- Dosage Adjustments:
- Dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized based on the disease being treated and the patient’s response. Dosage adjustments may be necessary due to changes in clinical status, individual drug responsiveness, and exposure to stressful situations.
- Monitoring:
- Patients should be monitored at intervals during treatment to adjust the dosage and manage potential side effects.
Avoid Interactions with Other Medications
- Hydrocortisone may interact with anticoagulants/blood thinners like warfarin, increasing or decreasing the blood-thinning effects. The dosage may need to be adjusted by the doctor.Â
- Taking hydrocortisone with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can increase the risk of stomach and intestinal side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding.Â
Dietary Considerations
- Hydrocortisone can cause the body to retain salt and water, so patients may need to limit their salt and carbohydrate intake.Â
- Patients may need to take potassium supplements, as hydrocortisone can increase potassium loss through the urine, especially at high doses.Â
- It’s recommended to eat a high-protein diet when taking hydrocortisone. Patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before making major changes to their diet.Â
Avoid Contact with Certain Illnesses
- Patients should avoid contact with anyone who has measles or chickenpox, as hydrocortisone can weaken the immune system and lead to severe cases of these illnesses.Â
Dietary Salt and Potassium
- Hydrocortisone can cause the body to retain salt and water, so patients may need to limit their salt (sodium) intake.
- Conversely, hydrocortisone can also increase potassium loss through the urine, especially at high doses. Patients may need to take potassium supplements.
- It’s recommended to follow a diet low in sodium and high in potassium-rich foods when taking hydrocortisone.
High-Protein Diet
- Patients taking hydrocortisone are advised to eat a high-protein diet. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, which can be affected by long-term steroid use.
Avoiding Alcohol
- Alcohol should be limited or avoided when taking hydrocortisone, as it can increase the risk of stomach and intestinal side effects like ulcers and bleeding.
Consulting a Healthcare Provider
- Patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before making major changes to their diet while taking hydrocortisone. Dietary modifications should be individualized based on the patient’s specific condition and response to the medication.
Dosage and Administration
Usual Adult Dosage
- The recommended dosage range for adults is 20-240 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated.
- The typical starting dose is 20-60 mg per day, which may be adjusted based on the patient’s response.
- Hydrocortisone tablets should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
- The dosage schedule may be 1-4 times per day or every other day, as directed by the doctor.
Pediatric Dosage
- For replacement therapy in children, the recommended dose is 10-30 mg per day, divided into two doses.
- The first dose taken in the morning may be larger than the second dose in the evening.
Dosage Adjustments
- Doses may need to be increased during periods of stress, infection, or exacerbation of the condition.
- Gradual dose reductions should occur once an adequate response is obtained.
- Sudden discontinuation after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms, so the dosage should be tapered gradually.
Storage
- Store hydrocortisone 10mg tablets at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
- Protect the tablets from light by keeping them in the original blister packaging.
- Do not refrigerate or autoclave the tablets, as steroids are sensitive to heat.
- Dispose of any unused medication properly, according to local regulations.
Patient Reviews
Based on reviews, patients generally report that hydrocortisone 10mg tablets are effective at reducing inflammation and managing their conditions when taken as directed by their healthcare provider. Some common feedback includes:
- “This medication has really helped control my arthritis pain and swelling.”
- “I’ve been taking hydrocortisone for my adrenal insufficiency and it’s made a big difference in how I feel day-to-day.”
- “My asthma symptoms improved significantly after starting this steroid treatment.”
Taking Hydrocortisone with Food
- Hydrocortisone tablets should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
The search results specifically state:
- “Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. Take it with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.”
- “You’ll usually take them 2 or 3 times a day. Take the tablets with or just after a snack or meal. This is so they do not upset your stomach.”
Avoiding Taking on an Empty Stomach
The search results do not recommend taking hydrocortisone on an empty stomach. In fact, they advise against this, as it can lead to stomach upset and irritation.
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