What Is Hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone has mineralcorticoid and glucocorticoid effects. The former alter the balance of fluids and electrolytes, which facilitates the reabsorption of sodium and hydrogen as well as the excretion of potassium. It is therefore effective in cases of edema and hypertension.

Hydrocortisone is the name of the medicine that contains the hormone cortisol. This medicine can be found on the market under the name hydrocortisone or under that of various trademarks.

It is available in different routes of administration, as needed. There are preparations for oral administration, injections for intravenous administration and ointments for topical use.

Hydrocortisone is indicated for the treatment of various diseases,  such as adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenogenital syndrome, hypercalcemia, inflammation of the thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and COPD. We will explore all of this in more detail throughout this article.

Hydrocortisone was discovered in 1955 and  is included in a list of the World Health Organization (WHO), in which it indicates the drugs that a health system must have at its disposal.

Main indications of hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone falls under the category of corticosteroid drugs and therefore can be used in many situations. Initially, hydrocortisone relieves inflammatory processes: it  is therefore administered as an anti-inflammatory drug for cases that require it.

It also has immunosuppressive effects. Thanks to this,  it can be used in cases of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis  (and its anti-inflammatory effect is added). It is also used in patients with asthma or other lung conditions.

Hydrocortisone may be indicated to treat or prevent allergic reactions and for the treatment of various cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

In addition,  it is used as a steroid replacement therapy in conditions which lead to insufficiency of the adrenal gland, as shown by the results of the studies. This type of disease develops with a decrease in the necessary production of steroids.

Other indications for hydrocortisone are:

• Stimulate appetite in cancer patients with severe cancer problems.
• The ointment is used to treat allergic skin reactions and to relieve symptoms of itching, reddening and inflammation.
• Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy.

Mechanism of action: how does hydrocortisone exert its effect on the body?

The effects triggered by hydrocortisone, as well as those of all endogenous corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal cortex,  are due to the enzymatic changes they produce  and not to any concrete action of the hormone.

Hydrocortisone has mineralcorticoid and glucocorticoid effects. The former alter the balance of fluids and electrolytes, which facilitates the reabsorption of sodium and hydrogen as well as the excretion of potassium. It is therefore effective in cases of edema and hypertension.

Regarding the glucocorticoid effects, they are involved in other metabolic routes such as:

• Gluconeogenesis.
• Redistribution of fat.
• Protein metabolism.
• Calcium balance.

In addition,  hydrocortisone exhibits anti-inflammatory effects  that stem from its ability to inhibit phospholipase A2, a molecule that belongs to the lipocortin family.

These substances modulate the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, since they are inhibited,  these molecules cannot synthesize and the inflammatory framework improves.

Finally, it should be mentioned that it also inhibits the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland. This effect should be taken into account because,  if administered in high doses and over a long period of time, the adrenal cortex may atrophy.

Hydrocortisone side reactions

Hydrocortisone, like all drugs on the market, can trigger a series of side effects. Adverse reactions are defined as all those events that occur unwantedly and unintentionally with the treatment of a drug.

It is important to keep in mind that not  everyone is affected by these reactions or manifests them in the same way. The effects vary from patient to patient. In addition, they are often reversible and tend to disappear on their own over time. Here are the most common, that is, those with a prevalence greater than 30%:

• Increased appetite.
• Nausea.
• Stomach ache.
• Insomnia.
• Fluid retention.

Conclusion

Hydrocortisone is the name cortisol gets when it is taken as a medicine. It is used to treat many pathologies. You should also always follow the doctor’s recommendations because  improper use of this medication could trigger adverse health reactions.