Hydrocortisone

Provider Level

RN

Class

Corticosteroid, Glucocorticoid

Mechanism of Action

Replaces absent glucocorticoids. Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation, modifies the immune response, and prevents the release of inflammatory mediators.

Indications

Adrenal insufficiency, adrenal crisis, anaphylaxis, severe asthma, COPD exacerbation.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity, systemic fungal infections.

Routes

PO, IM, IV, IO

Onset / Duration

Onset: 1-2 hours. Duration: 8-12 hours.

Adverse Effects

Hypertension, sodium and water retention, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, headache, delirium, GI bleeding.

Precautions & Interactions

Use with caution in patients with heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or peptic ulcer disease.

Special Considerations

May cause a transient increase in blood glucose. Do not delay definitive treatment such as epinephrine in anaphylaxis while preparing hydrocortisone.