Introduction
Hydrocortisone belongs to the common drugs used to administer the corticosteroids. It is broadly applied for the relief of inflammatory disorders, allergic responses, and adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone is an active hormone obtained from the drug that corresponds to the in vivo released hormone, named cortisol, obtained from the glands of the adrenal. Cortisol is able to control or suppress the inflammation and cellular immune reactions. Hydrocortisone exists in different forms, such as topical creams, oral tablets, injections, and suppositories, which make it accessible in all the places that need treatment.
Production of Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is chemically referred to as 11β, 17α, 21-trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione. It is a synthetic analogue of the steroid hormone cortisol. The latter is a hormone that regulates responses to stress and low concentrations of blood glucose. It plays an important role in controlling various metabolic and immune processes in the body. Hydrocortisone mimics the functions of cortisol but has a more directed application in medicine.
Hydrocortisone drug production for medical use involves preparation in a laboratory by the synthetic method. There are numerous steps involved in its manufacturing through a chemical process, including starting compounds derived from the natural source, such as sterols of plants, or made by microbial fermentation. Various dosage forms of drugs differ in creams, ointments, oral tablets, and injectables after formulation and purification.
This allows hydrocortisone to be administered in several forms depending on the medical needs. Each form is adjusted to be absorbed efficiently and directly by the tissues so that the effect desired will be obtained. For example, creams and lotions are supposed to be applied topically. These are usually suspended in emollients, which help in skin penetration. Oral tablets are the systemic formulations, whereas injections are used for acute cases that require immediate relief.
Uses of Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is prescribed in numerous medical conditions due to its intensive anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Some of the major uses include:
Skin Conditions: Hydrocortisone creams and ointments are used to provide relief from symptoms of various inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and allergic rashes. It reduces redness, itching, and swelling of the skin by controlling the body’s inflammatory response.
Adrenal Insufficiency: In the case of Addison’s disease, the adrenal glands produce too little cortisol. Patients suffering from adrenal insufficiency are prescribed hydrocortisone tablets as a replacement for deficient levels of cortisol to maintain the blood pressure, immune responses, and stress tolerance of the body. This will maintain the health of the patient and avoid lethal adrenal crises.
Severe allergic reactions and chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, colitis, and asthma:
Hydrocortisone is administered for the treatment of severe allergic reactions and chronic inflammatory diseases. It is available in tablet form and may be given intramuscularly or orally to instantly reduce symptoms and inflammation.
Autoimmune diseases: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in autoimmune diseases. Hydrocortisone suppresses the response of the immune system and reduces the symptoms and damage to the tissues.
Respiratory Diseases: The drug can be prescribed in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in order to reduce the lung inflammation as well as support easier respiration. Most often administered through injection for emergency help.
Cancer therapy: hydrocortisone also serves as an anticancer drug to fight certain tumors that inflame with other supportive medications for fighting symptoms of a disease such as cancer and chemotherapy.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of hydrocortisone varies with form of medication, condition for which it is prescribed, patient age, and so many other factors such as individual response and overall condition of the patient. The following serves as a general overview for hydrocortisone dosing by form and common application:
Topical Hydrocortisone: Ointment and cream types usually have a strength of hydrocortisone at 0.5%, 1%, and 2.5%. For mild disease of the skin, the lesser strength can be applied at 0.5% to 1%, while more serious diseases might require stronger concentrations. The medicine is usually applied in a minimal amount to the affected area one to four times a day. It will be administered according to some particular directions from a health care professional to avoid secondary effects like thinning of the skin.
Oral Tablets: Hydrocortisone tablets are available in strengths such as 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. A common maintenance dose for adrenal insufficiency ranges from 15–25 mg per day, given in two or three divided doses. This regimen closely simulates the natural cortisol rhythm in the body, with a larger dose taken in the morning and smaller doses in the afternoon. Doses could be totally different when administered for other conditions, such as anaphylaxis or inflammation, depending on the case and advice of the doctor.
Injectable Hydrocortisone In grave emergencies: such as major allergic reactions and adrenal shock, hydrocortisone is administered through injectable use. The treatment varies between 100 mg and 500 mg and depends on the patient’s severity of condition. For intravenous or intramuscular injections, the concern is promptly resolved by providing hydrocortisone in the patient’s vein.
Suppositories: Hydrocortisone suppositories or enemas are typically used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. The dose ranges from 25 to 100 mg. The patient may be directed to take this medication either once or twice a day, depending on the degree of the symptoms.
Precautions and Side Effects
Hydrocortisone is a very powerful medication, and it has to be applied with great care, especially when used over long periods. Topical hydrocortisone leads to thinning of the skin, dryness, and irritation of the skin, among other side effects that are common to this group of medications. The side effects of long-term oral or injectable hydrocortisone are more severe and include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, weight gain, mood swings, and an increased susceptibility to infection from immune suppression. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use also causes adrenal insufficiency; therefore, tapering of doses should be done under medical supervision.
Conclusion
Hydrocortisone is a versatile corticosteroid drug used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It comes in various compositions meant to target various medical concerns that range from topical application for skin conditions to intravenous injections as an urgency for acute response. Hydrocortisone, when used with the right prescription and ingestion, enhances the life of the living patients because the inflammation or allergies are reduced as well as adrenal insufficiency, but on a prescription from a doctor, it should be taken within safe dosage and application.
