What is Solu-Cortef: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Solu-Cortef overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Solu-CORTEF 500mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF 100mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF 500mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF 1000mg Vial, Solu-CORTEF, Solu-CORTEF 250mg Vial

Generic Names:

  • Solu-Cortef

Uses:

  • Treats inflammation and many other medical problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Immune Suppressant

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Solu-Cortef used for?

What form(s) does Solu-Cortef come in

  • Injectable

What are common Solu-Cortef doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 100MG

  • Solution Reconstituted 250MG

  • Solution Reconstituted 500MG

  • Solution Reconstituted 1000MG

Common Solu-Cortef prescriptions

  • Solu-CORTEF
    1000mg solution reconstituted

  • Solu-CORTEF
    100mg solution reconstituted

  • Solu-CORTEF
    250mg solution reconstituted

  • Solu-CORTEF
    500mg solution reconstituted

How to take Solu-Cortef

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.

What to do if you miss a dose of Solu-Cortef

Solu-Cortef contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or if you have a bleeding problem or a fungus infection.

Solu-Cortef warnings

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you start treatment. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, of if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), osteoporosis, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer, colitis, or diverticulitis), mental health problems (including depression or psychosis), pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor), tuberculosis, or myasthenia gravis.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Adrenal gland problemsCataracts or glaucomaHigh blood pressureHyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)Increased risk for bone fractures and slow growth in children

Solu-Cortef interactions

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

  • This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you start treatment. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.

  • Some medicines can affect how hydrocortisone works. Tell you doctor if you are also using any of the following:Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digitalis, isoniazid, ketoconazole, or phenytoinAntibiotic (including azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin, troleandomycin)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Estrogen, including oral contraceptiveMedicine for diabetes (including insulin)NSAID pain medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Solu-Cortef side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Eye pain, vision changes

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

  • Depression, mood swings, trouble sleeping, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behavior

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Muscle pain or weakness

  • Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face or waist

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

  • Changes in menstrual periods

  • Headache

  • Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face or waist

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.