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HydrocortisoneOver the counter
Pronounced hy-dro-KOR-ti-sone
Brand names: Cortef, Solu-Cortef
Type: Corticosteroid (steroid) · All Hormone & Endocrine Medicines
What Hydrocortisone is used for
- Replacing steroids the body cannot make (adrenal insufficiency)
- Severe allergic reactions and shock (hospital)
- Skin inflammation (creams)
- Hemorrhoids (creams and suppositories)
Common side effects
- Raised blood sugar
- Fluid retention
- Stomach upset
- Skin thinning (with prolonged cream use)
Important cautions
- People with adrenal insufficiency need extra steroid cover during illness or surgery — this is life-saving and should be planned with the care team
- Do not stop replacement treatment suddenly
How it comes
Tablets, creams and ointments, injection (hospital). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Hormone & Endocrine Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.