Hydrocortisone 20mg tablet 30’ct
Description
Hydrocortisone 20mg tablets are a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It is available in oral tablet form and is marketed under the brand name Cortef.
Indications
- Arthritis
- Blood/hormone/immune system disorders
- Skin and eye conditions
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- Severe allergic reactions
Dosage
- The initial dosage can range from 20 mg to 240 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated.
- Dosage adjustments are necessary based on individual response and disease severity.
Packaging
- Typically comes in a box of 30 tablets.
Side Effects
- Weakening of the immune system
- Increased risk of infection
- Potential withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
Warnings
- Not suitable for use with live vaccines
- Dosage should be gradually reduced when stopping the medication to avoid withdrawal
Description
Description
Hydrocortisone 20mg tablets are a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It is available in oral tablet form and is marketed under the brand name Cortef.
Indications
- Arthritis
- Blood/hormone/immune system disorders
- Skin and eye conditions
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- Severe allergic reactions
Dosage
- The initial dosage can range from 20 mg to 240 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated.
- Dosage adjustments are necessary based on individual response and disease severity.
Packaging
- Typically comes in a box of 30 tablets.
Side Effects
- Weakening of the immune system
- Increased risk of infection
- Potential withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
Warnings
- Not suitable for use with live vaccines
- Dosage should be gradually reduced when stopping the medication to avoid withdrawal
Key Benefits of Hydrocortisone 20mg Tablets
Based on the search results, the key benefits of hydrocortisone 20mg tablets include:Reducing Inflammation and Swelling
- Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that works to decrease inflammation and swelling in the body .
Treating a Variety of Conditions
- Hydrocortisone is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Blood/hormone/immune system disorders
- Skin and eye conditions
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- Severe allergic reactionsÂ
Replacing Adrenal Hormones
- Hydrocortisone can be used as replacement therapy for people with adrenal insufficiency or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, conditions where the body doesn’t produce enough natural corticosteroids .
Suppressing the Immune System
- Hydrocortisone can be used to slow down an overactive immune system, which is helpful for treating autoimmune disorders and preventing organ rejection .
Key Ingredients
The key ingredient in hydrocortisone 20mg tablets is:
- Hydrocortisone – A synthetic corticosteroid hormone that mimics the effects of the natural hormone cortisol produced by the adrenal glands .
Hydrocortisone tablets may also contain inactive ingredients such as binders, fillers, and coatings, but the primary active ingredient is hydrocortisone.
Mechanism of Action of Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone, a synthetic corticosteroid, exerts its effects primarily through the following mechanisms:Binding to Glucocorticoid Receptors
- Hydrocortisone binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm of target cells.
- This binding leads to conformational changes in the receptor, allowing it to translocate into the nucleus.
Regulation of Gene Expression
- In the nucleus, the hydrocortisone-receptor complex binds to specific DNA sequences called glucocorticoid response elements (GREs).
- This binding can either activate or repress the transcription of target genes, leading to downstream effects.
Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediators
- Hydrocortisone inhibits the activity of inflammatory transcription factors like NF-κB and AP-1.
- It also inhibits the enzyme phospholipase A2, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Modulation of the Immune System
- Hydrocortisone suppresses the migration of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, to sites of inflammation.
- It also induces the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, such as interleukin-10.
Alteration of Vascular Permeability and Edema
- Hydrocortisone reduces capillary permeability and the formation of edema.
- This effect is mediated by its ability to stabilize lysosomal membranes and inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators.
Key Precautions for Hydrocortisone 20mg Tablets
Based on the search results, some of the key precautions to be aware of when taking hydrocortisone 20mg tablets include:Allergic Reactions
- Do not take hydrocortisone if you are allergic to it or any of the other ingredients in the tablets .
- Allergic reactions may include rash, itching, swollen face/lips, or shortness of breath .
Infections
- Avoid taking hydrocortisone if you have any current infections, such as thrush, Candida, or other fungal infections .
- Patients should avoid exposure to measles and seek immediate medical advice if exposed .
Vaccinations
- Do not take hydrocortisone if you have recently been vaccinated or are scheduled for any vaccinations .
Mental Health Conditions
- Use caution if you have a history of severe depression or manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder)Â .
Other Medical Conditions
- Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: tuberculosis, liver problems, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, or glaucoma .
Steroid Treatment Card
- Patients taking hydrocortisone for more than 3 weeks should carry a “Steroid Treatment Card” at all times .
Gradual Dose Reduction
- When stopping long-term treatment, the dose should be gradually reduced over a period of weeks or months to avoid withdrawal effects .
Dietary Considerations with Hydrocortisone
When taking hydrocortisone tablets, there are a few dietary considerations to keep in mind:Sodium Restriction
- Hydrocortisone can cause the body to retain sodium (salt) and water, leading to fluid retention and high blood pressure.
- Dietary sodium restriction may be necessary, especially when taking higher doses of hydrocortisone.
Potassium Supplementation
- Hydrocortisone can increase the amount of potassium that is excreted in the urine, potentially leading to low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
- Potassium supplementation may be needed to maintain normal potassium levels, especially if taking high doses of hydrocortisone.
High-Protein Diet
- Hydrocortisone can alter how the body handles proteins.
- Eating a high-protein diet may be recommended when taking hydrocortisone.
Carbohydrate Restriction
- Hydrocortisone can also change how the body handles carbohydrates.
- Limiting carbohydrate intake may be advised when taking hydrocortisone.
Interactions with Other Medications
- Hydrocortisone has the potential to interact with 609 different medications, including:
- Aldesleukin
- Desmopressin
- Mifepristone
- Other drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising
- Of these interactions, 82 are considered major, 493 are moderate, and 34 are minor.
- Some of the most frequently checked interactions are with medications like aspirin, antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood thinners.
Interactions with Alcohol
- Drinking alcohol while taking hydrocortisone may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Limiting alcoholic beverages is recommended when taking hydrocortisone.
Interactions with Certain Medical Conditions
- Hydrocortisone may interact with or worsen several medical conditions, including:
- Infections
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach ulcers
- Mental health conditions like depression
Dosage
- The usual adult dose for replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency is 15-25 mg orally in 2-3 divided doses per day.
- The first dose should be given in the morning, with the highest dose, to mimic the body’s natural cortisol rhythm.
- Dosage may need to be adjusted based on the individual patient’s response and any stressors like illness, surgery, or trauma.
- In acute adrenal crisis, higher doses of 100 mg IV followed by 200 mg IV infusion over 24 hours may be required.
- For elderly patients, lower doses should be used cautiously due to increased risk of side effects.
- When discontinuing long-term treatment, the dose should be gradually reduced over weeks or months to avoid withdrawal effects.
Storage
- Hydrocortisone 20mg tablets should be stored below 25°C in the original package.
- Keep the tablets out of the reach of children.
Patient Reviews
Based on reviews from patients taking hydrocortisone 20mg tablets:
- Many patients report the tablets effectively manage their adrenal insufficiency symptoms when taken as directed.
- Some patients note minor side effects like increased appetite, mood changes, or sleep disturbances, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose.
- Patients emphasize the importance of not suddenly stopping hydrocortisone, as this can lead to adrenal crisis.
- Overall, most patients find the 20mg tablets to be a helpful treatment for their condition when taken as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.