Cortef (Hydrocortisone)

What is Cortef?

Cortef is an oral corticosteroid.

What is Cortef used for?

Cortef is used to cure certain inflammatory and allergic disorders in a human body, which includes skin conditions. It also helps treat ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

How does Cortef work?

Cortef works by blocking certain substances that lead to inflammation in the body.

How to use Cortef

One must take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Follow all the instructions carefully that are given over the prescription label. Cortef must be taken with food.

Cortef warnings and precautions

Be careful that Cortef is neither taken in larger amounts than prescribed nor it is taken for a longer duration of time.

While you are consuming Cortef, be cautious not to go too close to people who are suffering from any kind of infection, or are sick.

Also, if a person was previously suffering from chicken pox or measles, it is advisable that he consults a doctor before taking Cortef medications.

Do not miss any regular trips to your doctor. It is important to get your medical conditions assessed time to time while you are taking Cortef. This can also help the doctor adjust the dosage accordingly; if one is sick or suffering from an allergy, the medications can be altered.

One can also use a medical alert bracelet to let the doctors know that he is under a steroid medication.

While taking Cortef, do not consume high amount of alcohol. This can be dangerous for your health.

What do I do if I have missed a Cortef dose?

If you have missed your Cortef dose you should take it as soon as you remember, but do not take the missed dose if it’s already time for the next one.

What do I do if I have taken a Cortef overdose?

If you have taken a Cortef overdose you should immediately consult your doctor.

Cortef interactions

There are several drugs that can interact with Cortef. These include aspirin, diuretic, blood thinners, orally taken diabetes medicines or insulin, seizure medications, cyclosporine, ketoconazole, and rifampin. These drugs, if taken in tandem with Cortef, can cause harm to the patient’s health.

A patient is not recommended to receive a ‘live’ vaccination while he or she is taking Cortef.

Also, inform your doctor beforehand if you are already taking any over-the-counter pills, or any herbal products, vitamins, or minerals. Speak to your doctor before taking these medicines along with Cortef.

Cortef side effects

• If an allergic reaction happens after the usage of Cortef, immediately consult your doctor. These allergies can include hives, skin rash, breathing trouble, or swelling on face or lips.
• There can be some serious side effects posed by this drug, like blurred vision, weight gain, severe depression, strange thoughts and actions, convulsions, bloody or tarry stools, coughing out blood, and pancreatitis.
• One may suffer from low potassium, which can be accompanied by confusion, uneven heartbeat, extreme thirst, increased trips to urination, muscle weakness and limp feeling. Immediately consult your doctor if any such symptoms are seen.
• Also, the consumption of Cortef can lead to perilously high blood pressure, and severe headache, confusion, pain in chest, anxiety, and seizure.
• There can be some minor side effects of Cortef also, like dry skin, increased sweating, and acne. Talk to your doctor for further assistance.