Hydrocortisone

Drug

Hydrocortisone

Pronounced

"HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone"

Uses

This medication is used to treat the symptoms of a certain intestinal problem called ulcerative colitis. It is not a cure for this condition, but it is usually used with other treatments to manage this problem. Hydrocortisone enemas help to decrease diarrhea and bloody stools by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the rectum and colon. Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

How to Use This Medication

Read the directions for use that come with this product. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this product in the rectum as directed by your doctor, usually once nightly before bedtime. The usual length of treatment is 2 to 3 weeks or until symptoms go away (remission). In some cases, remission may take up to 2 or 3 months. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

For best results, use after a bowel movement. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent toward the chest. Gently insert the applicator tip into the rectum. Gently but firmly squeeze the bottle so that all of the drug flows into the rectum. Remain lying on your left side for at least 30 minutes. Keep the medicine in your rectum for at least 1 hour and overnight if possible.

Use this medication regularly as prescribed to get the most benefit from it. It may take 3 to 5 days to notice an improvement.

Do not use more of this product, use it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may increase. If you have been using this medication for a long time (more than 3 weeks), do not stop using it without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment or if it worsens.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer

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TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2024.

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