(hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)
Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortone®, Cortef®) is a steroid used to reduce swelling, redness and itching caused by allergic reactions or skin problems. It is also used to treat asthma, arthritis and many other conditions or to replace cortisone-like hormones that keep your child healthy, when your child's body is not making the right amount. Ask your child's doctor if you are not sure why your child is taking the drug. Hydrocortisone is available orally as tablets. Your pharmacy may also be able to prepare a liquid form of the medication for you.
Show All- Dosage varies with each child and can only be prescribed by your child's doctor.
- It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your child's doctor and that no doses are missed.
- Never give your child steroids without first talking to your child's doctor.
- Never stop giving your child steroids without asking your child's doctor.
- Take this medication with food to decrease stomach upset.
- Talk with your child's doctor about side effects and proper dosing schedule if your child will be taking steroids for more than 1-2 weeks. If you have any questions contact your child's doctor or ask your pharmacist.
- If your child is going to have surgery or is going through a period of illness that may cause stress to the body, while taking steroids, talk to your child's doctor. He / she may recommend increasing your child's dose.
- Keep this medication at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
- Increased hunger
- Moodiness / mood swings
- Increased blood sugar
- Infection: sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, slow healing sores
- Increased weight gain
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the feet
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Increased thirst
- Menstrual problems
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat
- Vomiting of blood
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe stomach pain
- Skin rash
- Muscle cramps
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
