Hydrocortisone Teva (Hydrocortisone)

Hydrocortisone Teva is prescribed for conditions where glucocorticoid activity is needed to replace endogenous hormone or to control inflammation. It may be used as part of hormone replacement therapy or as a short‑term anti‑inflammatory regimen.

• Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Severe allergic reactions with systemic involvement
• Acute exacerbations of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, or asthma
• Certain dermatologic or ophthalmic inflammatory conditions when oral therapy is indicated
• Management of adrenal crisis during stress or surgery

• Hydrocortisone binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus and modulates gene transcription. This interaction up‑regulates anti‑inflammatory proteins such as annexin‑1 and down‑regulates pro‑inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. The net effect is reduced synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, suppression of immune cell activation, and restoration of cortisol‑dependent metabolic pathways, influencing carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism.

Oral hydrocortisone can cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild and transient to potentially serious.

Common

• Increased appetite or weight gain
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Mild stomach discomfort or nausea
• Facial flushing or skin thinning
• Mood swings or irritability
• Acne or skin eruptions

Serious

• Suppression of the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal axis leading to adrenal crisis
• Increased susceptibility to severe infections
• Elevated blood glucose levels or new‑onset diabetes
• High blood pressure or fluid retention
• Bone loss, osteoporosis, or avascular necrosis
• Significant psychiatric effects such as depression or psychosis
• Electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia

Before starting Hydrocortisone Teva, patients and clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimize risks.

• Assess for active infections; avoid initiating therapy in uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• Evaluate for known hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone or other corticosteroids.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration required.
• Monitor blood glucose, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels during therapy.
• Screen for osteoporosis risk, especially in long‑term use or in patients with prior fractures.
• Consider tapering the dose gradually when discontinuing after prolonged therapy to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
• Discuss pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric considerations with a healthcare professional.

Hydrocortisone may interact with other medicines, altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Avoid

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, phenytoin, or carbamazepine, which can reduce hydrocortisone plasma concentrations.
• Concurrent use of systemic immunosuppressants that may compound infection risk (e.g., biologics, high‑dose azathioprine).

Use with caution

• Antidiabetic agents, because hydrocortisone can raise blood glucose and may require dose adjustments.
• Antihypertensive drugs, as fluid retention may affect blood pressure control.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Anticoagulants, since corticosteroids may enhance platelet aggregation.
• Vaccines, particularly live attenuated vaccines, due to possible reduced immune response.