What is Hydrocortisone? Uses, warnings & side effects

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying topical hydrocortisone.

How to use hydrocortisone cream, gel, lotion, or liquid:

• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. 

• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. Do not use more than four times a day.

• For prescription hydrocortisone, follow the healthcare provider’s instructions. Doses will be applied two to four times per day.

• Read and follow any patient instructions or package instructions included with the medicine.

• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your healthcare provider. Do not cover the treated skin with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if you are using this medicine on a child's diaper area.

How to use hydrocortisone anti-itch scalp liquid:

• Use the bottle to apply liquid to the affected area of the scalp.

• Massage the liquid into the scalp.

• Use up to four times a day as needed.

How to use hydrocortisone shampoo:

• Wet the hair.

• Apply shampoo.

• Lather the hair.

• Rinse.

How to use hydrocortisone aerosol spray:

• Shake the aerosol can just before using. 

• Hold the can 3 to 6 inches from the affected skin and spray for about 2 seconds. 

• To apply to your face, spray into the palm of your hand and rub in gently.

• Do not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

How to take hydrocortisone tablets:

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions. You may be instructed to take each day’s dose in the morning.

• Take with a meal to minimize digestive system issues.

• Take hydrocortisone tablets with a full glass of water.

• Tablets can be crushed and mixed with liquid for easier dosing.

How to administer hydrocortisone granules:

• Hydrocortisone granules come in the form of a capsule.

• Open the capsule. The capsule should never be swallowed.

• You can pour the capsule contents directly onto the person’s tongue, put the contents in a spoon and give it that way, or sprinkle the contents onto cold or room temperature soft food such as yogurt. 

• When sprinkled on food, the dose must be taken within five minutes.

• The person should immediately drink water, milk, or breast milk after a dose has been given.

How to administer a hydrocortisone enema:

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions. 

• Make sure to mix the bottle well before administering a dose.

For over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone, apply a dose as soon as you can if needed. Do not apply more than four doses per day.

For prescription hydrocortisone, ask the healthcare provider or pharmacist what to do in case a dose is missed.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone.

Prescription hydrocortisone tablets and rectal suspension are never used in people with systemic fungal infections.

Prescription hydrocortisone rectal suspension is never used in anyone who has recently undergone a colon operation called an ileocolostomy.

Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Stop using over-the-counter hydrocortisone and call a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms do not improve after seven days

• Symptoms come back

• The condition worsens

• You experience rectal bleeding

If over-the-counter hydrocortisone is swallowed, get medical help or call a poison control helpline.

For prescription hydrocortisone, tell the healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• A history of tuberculosis

• Past or present hepatitis B infection

• Past or present herpes infection of the eye

• Other infections

• Underactive thyroid

• Liver cirrhosis

Prescription hydrocortisone can cause a number of very serious side effects including:

• Adrenal gland problems

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Heart failure

• High blood pressure

• High blood sugar levels

• Stomach ulcers

• Pancreatitis

• Tendon rupture

• Compression fractures

• Osteoporosis

• Increased pressure in the head

• Seizures

• Impaired wound healing

• Loss of muscle mass

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

Do not stop taking hydrocortisone tablets until you talk to the healthcare provider. Prescription hydrocortisone may cause adrenal gland problems, requiring that the dose be gradually tapered.

Prescription hydrocortisone may cause you to get infections more easily.

Prescription hydrocortisone may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider.

Do not use prescription topical hydrocortisone to treat a skin problem your healthcare provider has not examined.

Keep all forms of hydrocortisone securely out of the reach of children.

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone should not cause problems with other drugs.

Do not use any other hydrocortisone product if you’re using over-the-counter hydrocortisone.

Tell healthcare providers you are using OTC or prescription hydrocortisone. The drug may interfere with some blood tests.

For prescription hydrocortisone, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using, particularly other corticosteroids.