Label: HYDROCORTISONE tablet

Hydrocortisone tablets, USP contain hydrocortisone which is a glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, which are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Hydrocortisone USP is white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder with a melting point of about 215º C. It is very slightly soluble in water and in ether; sparingly soluble in acetone and in alcohol; slightly soluble in chloroform.

The chemical name for hydrocortisone is pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione,11,17,21-trihydroxy-, (11β)-. Its molecular weight is 362.46 and the structural formula is as outlined below.

Hydrocortisone tablets, USP are available for oral administration in three strengths: each tablet contains either 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg of hydrocortisone. Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose.

Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. Their synthetic analogs are primarily used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Glucocorticoids cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, they modify the body's immune responses to diverse stimuli.

Hydrocortisone tablets are indicated in the following conditions.

Systemic fungal infections and known hypersensitivity to components

In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated.

Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection

Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can:

•    Reduce resistance to new infections

•    Exacerbate existing infections

•    Increase the risk of disseminated infections

•    Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections

•    Mask some signs of infection

Corticosteroid-associated infections may be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages. 

Monitor for the development of infection and consider hydrocortisone withdrawal or dosage reduction as needed.

Tuberculosis

If hydrocortisone are used to treat a condition in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, reactivation of tuberculosis may occur. Closely monitor such patients for reactivation. During prolonged hydrocortisone therapy, patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should receive chemoprophylaxis.

Varicella Zoster and Measles Viral Infections

Varicella and measles can have a serious or even fatal course in non-immune patients taking corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone. In corticosteroid-treated patients who have not had these diseases or are non-immune, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure to varicella and measles:

•    If a hydrocortisone-treated patient is exposed to varicella, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin may be indicated. If varicella develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered.

•    If a hydrocortisone-treated patient is exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin may be indicated.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation

Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients who are hepatitis B carriers treated with immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone. Reactivation can also occur infrequently in corticosteroid-treated patients who appear to have resolved hepatitis B infection.

Screen patients for hepatitis B infection before initiating immunosuppressive (e.g., prolonged) treatment with hydrocortisone. For patients who show evidence of hepatitis B infection, recommend consultation with physicians with expertise in managing hepatitis B regarding monitoring and consideration for hepatitis B antiviral therapy.

Fungal Infections

Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, may exacerbate systemic fungal infections; therefore, avoid hydrocortisone use in the presence of such infections unless hydrocortisone is needed to control drug reactions. For patients on chronic hydrocortisone therapy who develop systemic fungal infections, hydrocortisone withdrawal or dosage reduction is recommended.

Amebiasis

Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating hydrocortisone in patients who have spent time in the tropics or patients with unexplained diarrhea.

Strongyloides Infestation

Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia.

Cerebral Malaria

Avoid corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, in patients with cerebral malaria.

Ophthalmic Effects

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Hypertension, Volume Overload, and Hypokalemia

Average and large doses of hydrocortisone or cortisone can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion.

Vaccinations

Administration of live or live, attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids; however, the response to such vaccines may be diminished. Indicated immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients receiving nonimmunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

Usage in Pregnancy

Since adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids, the use of these drugs in pregnancy, nursing mothers or women of child bearing potential requires that the possible benefits of the drug be weighed against the potential hazards to the mother and embryo or fetus. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy, should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Corticosteroids have been shown to impair fertility in male rats.

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances

Sodium retention

Fluid retention

Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients

Potassium loss

Hypokalemic alkalosis

Hypertension

Musculoskeletal

Muscle weakness

Steroid myopathy

Loss of muscle mass

Osteoporosis

Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon

Vertebral compression fractures

Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads

Pathologic fracture of long bones

Gastrointestinal

Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage

Pancreatitis

Abdominal distention

Ulcerative esophagitis

Increases in alanine transaminase (ALT, SGPT), aspartate transaminase (AST, SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase have been observed following corticosteroid treatment. These changes are usually small, not associated with any clinical syndrome and are reversible upon discontinuation.

Dermatologic

Impaired wound healing

Thin fragile skin

Petechiae and ecchymoses

Facial erythema

Increased sweating

May suppress reactions to skin tests

Neurological

Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment

Convulsions

Vertigo

Headache

Epidural lipomatosis

Endocrine

Development of Cushingoid state

Suppression of growth in children

Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness

Menstrual irregularities

Decreased carbohydrate tolerance

Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus

Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics

Ophthalmic

Central serous chorioretinopathy

Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Increased intraocular pressure

Glaucoma

Exophthalmos

Metabolic

Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Leukocytosis

The initial dosage of hydrocortisone tablets may vary from 20 mg to 240 mg of hydrocortisone per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. In situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory clinical response, hydrocortisone should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE UNDER TREATMENT AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. Included in the situations which may make dosage adjustments necessary are changes in clinical status secondary to remissions or exacerbations in the disease process, the patient's individual drug responsiveness, and the effect of patient exposure to stressful situations not directly related to the disease entity under treatment; in this latter situation it may be necessary to increase the dosage of hydrocortisone for a period of time consistent with the patient's condition. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually, rather than abruptly.

Hydrocortisone tablets, USP are available in the following strengths and package sizes:

5 mg

White to off-white oval tablets debossed on one side with a bisect and other side with "H5".

NDC 42543-970-25: Bottles of 50 tablets

10 mg

White to off-white oval tablets debossed on one side with a bisect and other side with "H10".

NDC 42543-971-06: Bottles of 100 tablets

20 mg

White to off-white oval tablets debossed on one side with a bisect and other side with "H20".

NDC 42543-972-06: Bottles of 100 tablets

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

1Fekety R. Infections associated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. In: Gorbach SL, Bartlett JG, Blacklow NR, eds. Infectious Diseases. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company 1992:1050-1.

2Stuck AE, Minder CE, Frey FJ. Risk of infectious complications in patients taking glucocorticoids. Rev Infect Dis 1989:11(6):954-63.

Rx only

Distributed by:

Strides Pharma Inc.

East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Revised: 07/2024

NDC 42543-970-25

50 Tablets

Hydrocortisone Tablets, USP 5 mg

Rx Only

Strides Pharma Inc.

NDC 42543-971-06

100 Tablets

Hydrocortisone Tablets, USP 10 mg

Rx Only

Strides Pharma Inc.

NDC 42543-972-06

100 Tablets

Hydrocortisone Tablets, USP 20 mg

Rx Only

Strides Pharma Inc.