Hydrocortisone

Question 1

What type of drug is hydrocortisone

Answer 1

steroid

Question 2

hydrocortisone presentation

Answer 2

solution for injection: hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 100mg/1mL solution for injection ampoules

Powder for solution for injection: hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone sodium succinate) 100mg powder for reconstitution with up to 2mL of water

Ampoule containing 100mg hydrocortisone sodium succinate for reconstitution with up to 2mL of water

Question 3

Hydrocortisone indications

Answer 3

severe or life threatening asthma

acute exacerbation of COPD

Adrenal crisis

Patients with suspected adrenal insufficiency or on long-term steroid therapy who have become unwell

Prevention of adrenal crisis who suffer trauma or acute illness

pregnant women in labour who have Addison’s disease

Question 4

Hydrocortisone action

Answer 4

it is a glucocorticoid drug that restores blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiac synchronicity and volume. High levels are important to survive shock. Therapeutic actions include suppression of inflammation and immune response

Question 5

Hydrocortisone contraindications

Answer 5

known allergy

where a patient has an adrenal crisis it is preferable to give whatever preparation is available

Question 6

Hydrocortisone cautions

Answer 6

non relevant to a single dose
avoid IM if patient is likely to require thrombolysis

Question 7

Hydrocortisone side effects

Answer 7

both sodium phosphate and sodium succinate solutions contain significant amounts of phosphate preservative and may cause burning or stinging sensations

Question 8

Hydrocortisone Route

Answer 8

IV - slow injection over 2 mins
IM - Thigh or upper arm

Question 9

Hydrocortisone dose for 6+

Answer 9

100mg in 1ml

Powder: 100mg in 2ml

Question 10

Hydrocortisone dose for <6

Answer 10

50mg in 0.5ml

Powder: 50mg in 1ml