Hydrocortisone (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or if you have a fungus infection.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Some medicines can affect how hydrocortisone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Aspirin, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or troleandomycin
- Blood thinner (including warfarin)
- Insulin or other diabetes medicine
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or mental health problems, digestive problems (including ulcer, colitis, or diverticulitis), myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor), thyroid problems, or tuberculosis.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- Slow growth in children
This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you start treatment. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Depression, mood swings, trouble sleeping, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behavior
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
Eye pain, vision changes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Last Updated: 1/27/2017