A hydrocortisone tablet is a medical prescription that is a steroid. The tablets serve as a hormone replacement for cortisol, a natural hormone. Well, a prescription is usually offered when your body lacks enough cortisol hormones.
A medic can also prescribe the tablets if you are suffering from hypopituitarism, an infrequent disorder, which affects the pituitary gland. The tablets come in three forms; soluble tablets, standard tablets, and slow-release tablets. It’s worth noting that the tablets can be purchased only upon prescription. Once you get a prescription, you can buy hydrocortisone tablets here.
How To Use Hydrocortisone Tablets
Dosage
These tablets usually come in 5mg, 10mg, and 20 mg dosages. If you are taking the tablets for hormone replacement, the dosage is usually between 20mg and 30mg per day, which is split into two. The first dose should be consumed in the morning and the other in the evening. However, you will need a larger dose if you are consuming the tablets to treat an infection.
The standard hydrocortisone tablets promptly release the medicine into your system after consuming them. The recommended prescription is usually twice or thrice per day. You need to consume the tablets after meals to mitigate the chances of experiencing stomach upsets.
The slow-release medicine is gradually absorbed into your body throughout the day. It is advisable to take the tablets during the morning hours before you take your breakfast. You shouldn’t crush the tablets since they will be ineffective.
It is advisable to avoid any grapefruit juice after taking the medicine. Grapefruit juice will alter the tablets’ effectiveness and escalate the side effects risks.
Soluble hydrocortisone tablets should be dissolved in water to enhance their effectiveness. The tablets should be dissolved in at least 50 ml of freshwater before swallowing. You should ensure you drink the whole liquid, or else the dose will be ineffective. The soluble tablets should be consumed at least thrice a day; however, this will depend on the prescription from your medic.
Hydrocortisone Side Effects
The side effects are categorized into common and serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness
- Skin related diseases
Common side effects are mild, and they will disappear within a few days or even a couple of weeks. If the side effects worsen, you should consult with your medic.
Serious Effects
- Sore throats
- Sneezing
- Coughs
- Depression
- Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, breathing difficulties
- Pain while urinating
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Distorted vision
- Mood swings
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Severe headaches
Can Other Medications Affect Hydrocortisone Tablets?
Yes, hydrocortisone tablets can be affected by other medications. This means other medications can alter the effectiveness of the tablets. To mitigate these effects, you should consult with your doctor to aid you in managing all your medications perfectly.
People Who Shouldn’t Take Hydrocortisone Tablets
- People with diabetes
- People who have infections
- Glaucoma patients
- Mental health patients
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Pregnant women
Final Thought
The hydrocortisone tablets are effective when used in the right way. Failure to follow the recommended prescription may result in serious side effects. Don’t be afraid to notify your doctor in case you experience some side effects.