Health Library

Hydrocortisone (By injection)

Hydrocortisone (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)

Treats inflammation and many other medical problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Solu-CORTEF, Solu-CORTEF 1000mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF 100mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF 250mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF 500mg Vial

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how hydrocortisone works. Tell you doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, barbiturates, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digitalis, isoniazid, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin
  • Birth control pills
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat infection (including erythromycin, troleandomycin)
  • NSAID pain medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Diabetes medicine
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer, colitis, or diverticulitis), mental health problems (including depression or psychosis), pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor), myasthenia gravis, or any type of infection (including herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm). Also tell your doctor if you have a recent exposure to chickenpox or measles. Tell your doctor if you had surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Increased risk for cancer, including Kaposi's sarcoma
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Cataracts or glaucoma
  • High blood pressure
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)
  • Increased risk for bone fractures and slow growth in children
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, joint pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or weakness
• Depression, mood swings, trouble sleeping, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behavior
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Eye pain, vision changes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Joint pain, lower back, side, or stomach pain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in menstrual periods
• Headache
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024