Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands, and is used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune responses for treating various inflammatory and allergic conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D07AA02
- RxNorm
- 5492
- Generic
- Hydrocortisone
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Ana-Lex, Scalpicin Itch Relief, Vagisil Satin, Beta-HC, Procort 1.85/1.15, Neo-Polycin HC, Monistat Itch Relief, Alcortin A, Hemril, Proctosol, Kera-HC, Hemorrodil Plus, Anusol HC, Hemmorex, Procto-Med
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 1.5
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 8
- Routes
- otic, topical, ophthalmic, rectal, oral, vaginal
- Forms
- cream, ointment, lotion, gel, foam, spray, solution, drops, suppository, tablet
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, Japan
- Monitoring
- local skin atrophy or irritation, secondary infection, HPA-axis suppression with prolonged or extensive use
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose for shortest duration
avoid unless benefits outweigh risks; topical use preferred over systemic
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when needed; topical formulations preferred
monitor fetal growth and amniotic fluid levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
use lowest effective dose
prefer topical use; wait 4 hours after systemic administration before breastfeeding
monitor infant for adrenal suppression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing; use lowest effective dose
avoid prolonged use; monitor growth and development
regular height and weight monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
no specific adjustment for topical; start low for systemic
use with caution due to increased risk of adverse effects
monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, bone density
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
no adjustment needed for topical
no special precautions for topical use; systemic use may require monitoring
standard monitoring for systemic use
hepatic_impairment
may require dose reduction for systemic use
use with caution; metabolism may be altered
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
avoid combination
avoid alcohol consumption during treatment; combination increases risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
monitor for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Hydrocortisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid hormone belonging to the corticosteroid class of drugs
Common uses
Common therapeutic applications for Hydrocortisone topical formulations
Commonly prescribed since
Historical prescribing information for Hydrocortisone topical and systemic formulations
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is used to treat inflammatory and allergic conditions including oral mucosal inflammation, skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal insufficiency, and various autoimmune conditions. The oral formulation (ATC A01) is specifically used for inflammatory conditions of the mouth and gums.
Hydrocortisone works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in cells, which then influence gene expression to reduce the production of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It also suppresses the activity of immune cells called T-cells and reduces the permeability of blood vessels, thereby decreasing swelling, redness, and allergic responses.
Long-term use of hydrocortisone should be avoided or monitored carefully as it can cause side effects including weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, mood changes, and suppression of natural cortisol production. Topical formulations should not be applied to infected areas unless combined with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the specific condition being treated.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy