Hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug which may be given by injection or by topical application.
It is given by injection in the treatment of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, in place of prednisolone in patients who need steroid treatment but cannot take oral medication, and peri-operatively in patients on long-term steroid treatment to prevent an Addisonian crisis.
It is given by topical application for its anti-inflammatory effect in allergic rashes, eczema and certain other inflammatory conditions.
Compared to prednisolone, hydrocortisone is about 1/4th the strength. Dexamethasone is about 40 times stronger than hydrocortisone.
Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes.
Hydrocortisone is also used in the treatment of blood cell cancers (leukemias), and lymph gland cancers (lymphomas).
Finally, hydrocortisone is used as a hormone replacement in patients whose adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of corticosteroids.
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