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Hydrocortisone Sod Succinate

Pronounced

"HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone SOE-dee-um SUX-i-nate"

Common brand names:

A-Hydrocort, Solu-Cortef

Uses

This medication is used to treat various conditions such as arthritis, severe allergies, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye diseases, intestinal disorders, and skin diseases. It weakens your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. Hydrocortisone may also be used with other medications to replace certain hormones if you have decreased adrenal gland function or Addison's disease. Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

Hydrocortisone injection is used when a similar drug cannot be taken by mouth or when a very fast treatment is needed for patients with severe medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hydrocortisone, especially if it is to be injected near your spine (epidural). Rare but serious side effects may occur with epidural use.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Hydrocortisone may also be used for COVID-19, but is only effective in hospitalized patients who need supplemental oxygen or a mechanical ventilator to breathe.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein or directly into a muscle, as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.