hydrocortisone

A drug form of cortisolcortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry Close. By mouth and IV it replaces cortisol in adrenal insufficiency (Addison diseaseAddison diseaseAD-ih-sun dih-ZEEZA condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and often not enough aldosterone.Full entry Close) and is given by IV in adrenal crisis and some severe illnesses. Unlike most steroid drugs, it also helps the body hold sodium (a mineralocorticoidmineralocorticoidmin-er-uh-loh-KOR-tih-koydA steroid hormone, or a drug that acts like one, that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water and remove potassium.mineral saltscortic/o cortex-oid likeFull entry Close effect). Creams treat itchy, inflamed skin, and rectal forms treat hemorrhoids and colitis. Its IV brand Solu-Cortef looks like Solu-Medrol, a brand of methylprednisolonemethylprednisolonemeth-il-pred-NIS-oh-loneA corticosteroid drug given by mouth, IV or injection to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.Full entry Close.

Clients on long-term replacement must not stop it suddenly and may need extra doses during illness or surgery; teach them to wear medical ID. Do not abbreviate the name: ISMP lists "HCT" as error-prone. Check the label carefully against methylprednisolone.