Hydrocortisone

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Glucocorticoid

Question 2

Classification

Answer 2

Immunosuppressive

Question 3

Actions

Answer 3

Suppression of immune response

Question 4

Indication

Answer 4

• severe or life threatening asthma (ETA to ED >30 min)
• anaphylaxis
• shock secondary to adrenal crisis (Addison’s crisis)

Question 5

Presentation

Answer 5

• water soluble
• reconstitute in sterile H2O
• ampule containing 100 mg powder
• administration routes: IV, IO, IM

Question 6

Pharmacological Action

Answer 6

• Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory adrenocortical steroid
• drug inhibits B and T lymphocyte action
• reduces release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes

Question 7

side effects

Answer 7

• lowest possible dose should be used
• may increase susceptibility to fungal, bacterial and viral infections due to suppression of inflammatory response and immune function