User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is the name for the hormone cortisol when supplied as a medication. Uses include conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenogenital syndrome, high blood calcium, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, asthma, and COPD. It is the treatment of choice for adrenocortical insufficiency. It can be given by mouth, topically, or by injection. Stopping treatment after long-term use should be done slowly.

Side effects may include mood changes, increased risk of infection, and swelling. With long-term use common side effects include osteoporosis, upset stomach, physical weakness, easy bruising, and yeast infections. While used, it is unclear if it is safe during pregnancy. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid and works as an anti-inflammatory and by immune suppression.

Hydrocortisone was patented in 1936 and approved for medical use in 1941. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$0.27 per day as of 2014 for the form taken by mouth. In the United States, it costs less than US$25 for a typical month of treatment. In 2017, it was the 154th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than four million prescriptions.