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What are the Different Forms of Hydrocortisone?

Shannon Johnson
Shannon Johnson

Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication that comes in three main forms — oral, topical, and solution. This medication is used to treat the inflammation associated with various skin and joint conditions, as well as more severe health conditions such as lupus, high blood pressure, and ulcerative colitis. Hydrocortisone can be given over the counter or via prescription.

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone comes in extremely low doses and includes most topical treatments. Injections and oral formulations will often require a prescription. The prescription forms are somewhat more effective because of their higher concentration levels and formulations combined with other medications for more targeted relief.

Hydrocortisone may be used to treat high blood pressure.
Hydrocortisone may be used to treat high blood pressure.

Topical treatments include ointments, creams, gels, towels, and sprays. They are often utilized to treat minor skin conditions — including swelling, itchiness, redness, crusting, scaling, and dryness — that result from bug bites, bursitis, eczema, and rashes. The foam and suppository forms are often used to treat ailments such as hemorrhoids and intestinal issues.

The foam and suppository forms of hydrocortisone may be used to treat hemorrhoids.
The foam and suppository forms of hydrocortisone may be used to treat hemorrhoids.

Hydrocortisone injections are commonly used to treat joint inflammation and pain experienced with conditions such as arthritis and bursitis. Three common types of injections include articular, trigger point, and epidural. Articular injections are made directly into the joints, trigger point injections are inserted into the tendons surrounding the joint, and epidural injections are inserted into the lower part of the spine. Inhaled steroids are frequently used to reduce inflammation of the lungs that is associated with allergies and asthma.

Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat thyroid gland malfunction.
Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat thyroid gland malfunction.

Oral hydrocortisone is used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, skin and eye conditions, asthma, and allergies. It is also used to treat adrenal gland diseases, anemia, and thyroid gland malfunction. Oral ingestion of hydrocortisone is usually done with food or milk to avoid damage to the stomach lining. Care should be taken when stopping this medication after long-term use because of the significant chance of withdrawal side-effects.

Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat asthma.
Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat asthma.

Adverse reactions have been noted in a number of situations, so one should make sure to have a thorough conversation with a doctor about the state of one's health. Generally speaking, usage will range from one to four times a day and last from a few days to several months, depending on the condition being treated and the strength of the prescription. There are numerous side effects associated with hydrocortisone, including cracking and drying of the skin, severe burning or itching, acne breakouts, rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing. These should always be reported to a medical professional immediately.

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    • Hydrocortisone may be used to treat high blood pressure.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Hydrocortisone may be used to treat high blood pressure.
    • The foam and suppository forms of hydrocortisone may be used to treat hemorrhoids.
      By: Andrea Danti
      The foam and suppository forms of hydrocortisone may be used to treat hemorrhoids.
    • Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat thyroid gland malfunction.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat thyroid gland malfunction.
    • Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat asthma.
      By: srdjan111
      Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat asthma.
    • Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat allergies.
      By: Voyagerix
      Oral hydrocortisone may be used to treat allergies.
    • Topical hydrocortisone may be used to treat acne.
      By: soupstock
      Topical hydrocortisone may be used to treat acne.
    • Some rashes can be treated by using a hydrocortisone spray.
      By: AlexOakenman
      Some rashes can be treated by using a hydrocortisone spray.
    • Hydrocortisone cream can be bought over-the-counter.
      By: carroteater
      Hydrocortisone cream can be bought over-the-counter.
    • Hydrocoritizone can be used to treat swelling, itching and other symptoms caused by bug bites.
      By: jedi-master
      Hydrocoritizone can be used to treat swelling, itching and other symptoms caused by bug bites.