hydrocortisone

A reduction product (at C-11) of cortisone; a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex (the active hormone secreted in the greatest quantity by the adrenals) and the most potent of the naturally occurring glucocorticoids in humans; an antiinflammatory agent. SYN: cortisol.

- h. acetate an ester of h. with similar actions and uses as h.. SYN: cortisol acetate.

- h. cyclopentylpropionate an ester of h..

- h. cypionate the cyclopentanepropionic ester of cortisone, for oral administration.

- h. hydrogen succinate a form of h. administered intravenously.

- h. sodium phosphate an anti-inflammatory agent for intravenous or intramuscular administration.

- h. sodium succinate a very soluble ester salt of h. (cortisol), used parenterally in the management of emergencies resulting from acute adrenal insufficiency.

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hy·dro·cor·ti·sone -'kȯrt-ə-.sōn, -.zōn n cortisol esp cortisol used pharmaceutically

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n.

a pharmaceutical preparation of the steroid hormone cortisol. Hydrocortisone is used in the treatment of adrenal failure (Addison's disease) and inflammatory, allergic, and rheumatic conditions (including rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and eczema). It may be given by mouth, by injection, or in the form of a cream, ointment, or eye or ear drops. Possible side-effects of hydrocortisone therapy include peptic ulcers, bone and muscle damage, suppression of growth in children, and the signs of Cushing's syndrome.

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hy·dro·cor·ti·sone (hi″dro-korґtĭ-sōn) [USP] the name given to cortisol when used as a pharmaceutical, applied to both the natural hormone and the same substance produced synthetically; it has life-maintaining and blood pressure–sustaining properties and also has limited mineralocorticoid activity. The official preparation and its salts are used primarily for their antiinflammatory and immunosuppressant properties, in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders, including allergic disorders, dermatologic disorders, adrenocortical insufficiency and other endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, hematologic disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, ophthalmologic disorders, respiratory disorders, rheumatic disorders, neoplasms, and shock. The base is administered orally, rectally, or topically.