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Hydrocortisone (oral)

  • Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids (more commonly called steroids).
  • Do not stop taking hydrocortisone suddenly. Your doctor will ask you to reduce the dose slowly over several weeks. This is to avoid unpleasant withdrawal effects.
  • Your pharmacist will give you a blue steroid treatment card. Carry this at all times.

About hydrocortisone (oral)

Type of medicine Corticosteroid
Used for Replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency
Before an operation, and during injury or illness in patients with known adrenal insufficiency
Also called Hydrocortone
Available as Tablets

Hydrocortisone (oral) is used as replacement therapy in people whose adrenal glands are not producing enough natural corticosteroids (adrenal insufficiency). Low blood levels of corticosteroids must be treated with replacement therapy to allow the body to function normally.

Before taking hydrocortisone (oral)

Before taking hydrocortisone (oral) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have tuberculosis (TB) or have a family history of this condition.
  • If you are suffering from any kind of infections including chicken pox, shingles or measles, or have been in contact with anyone who has them.
  • If you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus or glaucoma, or have a family history of these conditions.
  • If you suffer from osteoporosis, heart failure or hypothyroidism.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakening disease).
  • If you suffer from peptic ulcer or any stomach disorder or have a history of these conditions.

How to take hydrocortisone (oral)

  • Do not stop taking hydrocortisone without speaking to your doctor first
  • Each dose of hydrocortisone should be taken with or just after food. If taking as a single dose take with or just after breakfast.
  • Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chicken pox or anyone who suspects they might have them, up to 3 months after stopping treatment of hydrocortisone, you must see your doctor within 3-10 days of contact (the sooner the better).
  • If you have been given a steroid treatment card, carry it with you at all times.

Can hydrocortisone (oral) cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Indigestion, abdominal discomfort, acne, increased sweating, headache Ask your pharmacist for advice
Muscle weakness/pain, thin skin, bruising, changes in menstruation Contact your doctor

How to store hydrocortisone (oral)

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
619		 DocRef:
dils2710		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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