Hydrocortisone (rectal)
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Corticosteroid
Dosing in kidney impairment
Neonates born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroid during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. 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.
Supplement interactions
Dietary supplement interactions
1 noted- Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone (Deltasone, Rayos, and Sterapred), are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. These medications can reduce calcium absorption and impair vitamin D metabolism.
Contraindications
Systemic fungal infections; and ileocolostomy during the immediate or early post-operative period.
Safety data
Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Liver injury (LiverTox)
LiverTox has no chapter for hydrocortisone (rectal). Check the label's hepatic warnings.
Pregnancy and lactation
Breastfeeding (LactMed)
Hydrocortisone (cortisol) is a normal component of breastmilk, but it has not been studied in milk after exogenous administration in pharmacologic amounts. Although it is unlikely that dangerous amounts of hydrocortisone would reach the infant, a better studied corticosteroid might be preferred. Maternal use of hydrocortisone as an enema would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Local maternal injections, such as for tendinitis, would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Medium to large doses of corticosteroids given systemically or injected into joints or the breast have been reported to cause temporary reduction of lactation. See also Hydrocortisone, Topical.
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
Not the price at the counterThese are not what a patient pays at the pharmacy counter. They are what pharmacies, health plans, and government buyers pay, before manufacturer rebates. A patient's cost depends on their insurance (copay, coinsurance, or deductible) or the pharmacy's cash price.