Indications: adrenocortical insufficiency; suppression of inflammatory and allergic disorders; anaphylactic shock; and angioedema; inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhoids; rheumatic disease; eye; skin.

Cautions: kidney disease; liver disease; hypertension; sodium and water retention, potassium loss; heart disease; ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or stomach ulcers; hypothyroidism; a psychiatric condition; myasthenia gravis; diabetes mellitus; osteoporosis; pregnancy and breast feeding.

Contra-indications: In serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Hydrocortisone weakens the body's immune response.

Side Effects: upset stomach, vomiting, headache, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, irregular or absent menstrual periods, skin rash, swollen face, lower legs, or ankles, vision problems, cold or infection that lasts a long time, muscle weakness, Melena.

Drug Interactions: Warfarin, Aspirin, OCP, NSAI Drugs

Dose: by IM or slow IV injection or infusion, 100-500 mg 3-4 times daily in 24 hours or as required.

By mouth, replacement therapy, 20-30 mg daily in divided doses.

Child, 10-30 mg.

Child, by slow IV injection, up to 1 year, 25 mg;

1-5 years, 50 mg;

6-12 years, 100 mg.

High doses should be given in severe shock because the risk of complications is negligible with short-term therapy.