Hydrocortisone Injectable: Dosing and Precautions

Therapeutic action

Short-acting steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid).

Indications

Symptomatic treatment of severe allergic and inflammatory reactions, when oral administration is not possible.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• Powder for injection, 100 mg hydrocortisone in vial, to be dissolved in 2 ml water for injection, for IM or slow IV injection or infusion.

Dose and duration

Doses may be repeated at 6- or 8-hour intervals up to 3 or 4 times according to reaction severity and clinical response. Change to oral route with prednisolone as soon as possible.

• Child 1 month to 11 years: 4 mg/kg, maximum 100 mg.
• Child 12 years and over and adult: 100 to 200 mg.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• In case of systemic infection, only administer if the patient is under antimicrobial treatment.
• Avoid prolonged administration in patients with peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, or cirrhosis.
• May cause adrenal suppression, muscle atrophy, growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infections, sodium and water retention, osteoporosis, hypokalaemia, and digitalis toxicity if prolonged with high doses.
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication.