Nordison 10 Mg Tablets (Hydrocortisone)

Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that modulates inflammatory and endocrine pathways, providing therapeutic benefit in several endocrine and inflammatory disorders.

• Adrenal insufficiency: restores deficient cortisol levels, helping maintain blood pressure, glucose, and electrolyte balance.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: supplies glucocorticoid replacement to suppress excess androgen production and support normal growth.
• Inflammatory conditions: reduces inflammation and immune activity, alleviating symptoms in disorders such as severe allergic reactions or autoimmune flare‑ups.

• Hydrocortisone binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus and regulates gene transcription. This interaction up‑regulates anti‑inflammatory proteins and down‑regulates pro‑inflammatory cytokines, while also influencing enzymes involved in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, thereby providing cortisol‑like hormonal activity. The net effect is suppression of the immune response and replacement of endogenous cortisol in patients with adrenal deficiency.

Hydrocortisone may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Increased appetite: may lead to weight gain.
• Fluid retention: can cause swelling of ankles or hands.
• Mood changes: irritability or euphoria.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, abdominal pain.
• Elevated blood sugar: hyperglycemia, especially in diabetics.
• Insomnia: difficulty sleeping.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe infection: heightened susceptibility due to immunosuppression.
• Adrenal crisis: abrupt withdrawal can precipitate life‑threatening cortisol deficiency.
• Osteoporosis: bone density loss with long‑term use.
• Peptic ulcer disease: gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
• Cushingoid appearance: facial rounding, central obesity.
• Psychosis: severe mood or thought disturbances.

When prescribing hydrocortisone, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimize risk.

• Assess adrenal function: confirm deficiency before initiating therapy.
• Monitor blood glucose: watch for hyperglycemia, especially in diabetic patients.
• Evaluate infection risk: avoid use in uncontrolled systemic infections.
• Review psychiatric history: glucocorticoids can exacerbate mood disorders.
• Adjust dose in hepatic impairment: reduced clearance may require lower dosing.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets below 25 °C in original packaging, protected from moisture.

Hydrocortisone can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase hydrocortisone levels, risk of toxicity.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): glucocorticoids may enhance anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: increase risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Diuretics: may potentiate fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance.
• Antidiabetic agents: may reduce glucose‑lowering effect, necessitating dose adjustment.
• Live vaccines: immunosuppression may diminish vaccine efficacy.