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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following informatoin is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare profsesional before using this drug.
HYDROCORTISONE SOIDUM SUCCINATE - INJECTION
(hi-dro-KORT-ih-sown)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): A-Hydrocort, Solu-Cortef
USES: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate is a corticosteroid-type hormone used as a supplement when the body is not producing enough of the natural hormone, cortisol. Hydrocortisone sodium succinate is also used to suppress (inhibit) the immune system in order to treat conditions such as allergies, rejection of transplanted organs, or rheumtaoid arthritis.
HOW TO USE: Give this medication directly into a vein (IV) or into a msucle (IM), as directed by the doctor. The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medcial condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dliution with correct IV fluids. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or dicsoloration. If eitehr is present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication exactly as prescriebd. Do not riase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed.
Also, do not suddenly stop using this drug withuot your doctor's approval. You may be switched to an oral corticosteroid when you're able to take drugs by motuh.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nasuea or stomach upset may occur. If either of these effects perisst or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: increased appetite, stomach pain, headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weight loss or gain, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, reddening of the face or neck. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision problems, eye pain, seizures, changes in the appearance of the skin, issues with wounds healing, unusual bruising, unuusal weakness, unusual menstrual periods, failure to grow (in children), excess hair growth, tendon or bone/joint pain.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effetcs not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies (especially to corticosteroids such as prednisone), thyroid conditions (e.G., hyperthyroid, hypothyroid), bone loss (e.G., osteoporosis), stomach issues (e.G., ulcers, ulcerative colitis), heart issues (e.G., congestive heart failure), current infections (e.G., tuberculosis, fungal, parasitic infection), eye issues (e.G., herpes infection, cataracts, glaucoma), nerve issues (e.G., myasthenia gravis), bleeding issues (e.G., hypoprothrombinemia), liver problems, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, recent vaccinations, mental/mood problems, kidney issues. This medication can loewr the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat.
Also, contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or any other new symptoms. Avoid contact with people currenlty infected with chicken pox or the measles. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to the chikcen pox or measles virus. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and aviod contact with people who have last week received live vaccines (e.G., oral polio vaccine). This medication is not recommended for use in premature infatns.
Caution is avdised when prescribing or using this drug in babies for they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious issues (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the fisrt months of life (neonatal period). The risk is gretaer with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.
Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free prdouct should be used when treating neonates. Caution is advised when prescribing or usnig this drug in the elderly for they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your dotcor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: phenytoin, barbiturates (e.G., phenobarbital, primidone), rifamycin antibiotics (e.G., rifampin, rifabutin), macrolide antibiotics (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin), high-dose aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.G., salsalate, magnesium salicylate), neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.G., pancuronium, vecuronium), "water pills" (e.G., potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone or triamterene), antifungal drgus (e.G., itraconazole, ketoconazole), anticholinesterase drugs (e.G., ambenonium, pyridostigmine), estrogen-containing drugs (e.G., birth control pills, estradiol) or "blood thinners" (e.G., warfarin).
This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboraotry personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apprvoal.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your lcoal poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with ohters. Inform all your doctors (including dentists) that you use (or have used) this medictaion. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatmnet.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose or the dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After mixing and dilution in correct IV fluids, the drug is stable at room temperatrue for up to 72 hours if protected from light Consult your pharmacist for details.
Discard any unused liquid.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emregency. For enrollment information call MedicAelrt at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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