Cortef®(hydrocortisone)

Cortef (hydrocortisone) tablets are indicated for endocrine disorders (adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroiditis), rheumatic disorders (arthritis, lupus, acute gouty arthritis), collagen diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis), dermatologic diseases (pemphigus, severe psoriasis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), allergic states (severe asthma, allergic rhinitis, drug reactions), ophthalmic diseases (uveitis, allergic conjunctivitis), respiratory diseases (sarcoidosis, berylliosis), hematologic disorders (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura), neoplastic diseases (leukemias, lymphomas), and gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis).

Cortef is contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections and in patients with known hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone or any components of the formulation.

Major warnings include: increased susceptibility to infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic) due to immunosuppression; potential reactivation of latent tuberculosis or hepatitis B; risk of serious complications from varicella and measles exposure; hypertension and fluid retention; hypokalemia; posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma; psychic disturbances including euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, and depression; growth suppression in children on prolonged therapy; adrenal suppression requiring gradual dose tapering. Dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized based on disease severity and patient response.

Common adverse reactions include: fluid and electrolyte disturbances (sodium retention, hypokalemia, hypertension, fluid retention); musculoskeletal effects (osteoporosis, muscle weakness, tendon rupture, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads); gastrointestinal effects (peptic ulcer with possible perforation, pancreatitis, nausea); endocrine effects (Cushingoid appearance, menstrual irregularities, growth suppression in children, manifestations of latent diabetes); neurological effects (increased intracranial pressure, convulsions, vertigo, headache); psychiatric effects (euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, depression, psychosis); dermatologic effects (impaired wound healing, thin fragile skin, petechiae, acne); ophthalmic effects (posterior subcapsular cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma).

Cortef (hydrocortisone tablets USP) contains hydrocortisone, a glucocorticoid steroid that is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is available as oral tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients include calcium stearate, corn starch, lactose, mineral oil, sorbic acid, and sucrose. Hydrocortisone is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder with a melting point of about 215 degrees Celsius with some decomposition.