Hydrocortisone: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Cortef
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Hydrocortisone is used for
Uses • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
Warnings For external use only Do not use • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Consult a doctor. • for the treatment of diaper rash. Consult a doctor. When using this product • avoid contact with the eyes • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator Stop use and ask a doctor if • condition worsens symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor • rectal bleeding occurs Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
Medication review
Hydrocortisone drug interactions
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 121,305 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (13)
CGMP Deviations
Recalling firm: KENIL HEALTHCARE PRIVATE LIMITED
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications:Out-of-Specification result for Hydrocortisone related impurity and slightly lower than the established level of the Hydrocortisone Assay obtained during stability testing.
Recalling firm: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.
cGMP deviations: Temperature abuse
Recalling firm: Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office
cGMP deficiencies
Recalling firm: Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
Recalling firm: Cardinal Health Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
Recalling firm: Cardinal Health Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Out of Specification results for either total microbial count or total organic carbon in the purified water utilized in the manufacturing process.
Recalling firm: US Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Out of Specification results for either total microbial count or total organic carbon in the purified water utilized in the manufacturing process.
Recalling firm: US Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Out of Specification results for either total microbial count or total organic carbon in the purified water utilized in the manufacturing process.
Recalling firm: US Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Out of Specification results for either total microbial count or total organic carbon in the purified water utilized in the manufacturing process.
Recalling firm: US Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Out of Specification results for either total microbial count or total organic carbon in the purified water utilized in the manufacturing process.
Recalling firm: US Pharmaceuticals Inc.
GMP Deviations: Out of specification results for Total Aerobic Microbial count in excipient purified water sample
Recalling firm: US Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Hydrocortisone prescribed for?
Uses • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Hydrocortisone?
Warnings For external use only Do not use • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Consult a doctor. • for the treatment of diaper rash. Consult a doctor. When using this product • avoid contact with the eyes • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator Stop use and ask a doctor if • condition worsens symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor • rectal bleeding occurs Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).
Does Hydrocortisone interact with other medications or foods?
Hydrocortisone has 3 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.