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General Medication Fact Sheet for Cortef & Solu-Cortef
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Cortef & Solu-Cortef |
| Generic Name | Hydrocortisone |
| Purpose | Treats conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, allergic reactions, skin conditions, and endocrine disorders. |
| Mechanism of Action | Reduces inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets (Cortef), injectable (Solu-Cortef) |
| Available Strengths | Cortef: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg; Solu-Cortef: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Varies based on condition; follow doctor’s instructions. |
| Common Side Effects | Increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, acne, increased sweating. |
| Serious Side Effects | Muscle weakness, thinning skin, bone loss, increased risk of infection, swelling. |
| Drug Interactions | NSAIDs, diuretics, blood thinners, diabetes medications, certain vaccines. |
| Important Notes | Do not stop taking suddenly; may require gradual dose reduction. Consult a doctor if you have diabetes, heart problems, or glaucoma. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone |
Cortef & Solu-Cortef Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prednisone | Synthetic glucocorticoid; anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. | Often used for similar conditions as hydrocortisone; available orally. |
| Methylprednisolone (Medrol) | Synthetic glucocorticoid; similar to Prednisone but may have different potency and duration. | Available in oral and injectable forms. |
| Dexamethasone | Long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid; more potent than hydrocortisone. | Used when a longer duration of action is required. |
Cortef & Solu-Cortef Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Increased appetite | Muscle weakness |
| Weight gain | Thinning skin |
| Mood changes | Bone loss (osteoporosis) |
| Acne | Increased risk of infection |
| Increased sweating | Swelling (edema) |
Cortef & Solu-Cortef Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrenal Insufficiency | Varies | Varies | Based on individual needs and lab values. |
| Inflammatory Conditions | Varies | Varies | Dosage adjusted based on response and tolerance. |
| Allergic Reactions (severe) | Varies (Solu-Cortef) | N/A | Usually administered as a single dose or short course. |
Cortef & Solu-Cortef Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $15 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $55 – $1100 |
| From CPS | $35.58 |

