Hydrocortisone tablets are a type of corticosteroid, sometimes simply referred to as ‘steroids’. They aren’t the same as anabolic steroids. Our bodies naturally produce a corticosteroid called cortisol.

Sometimes your body doesn’t make sufficient amounts of cortisol. This may be because of a particular disease, such as Addison’s, or because of certain surgeries or other conditions.

You should only use hydrocortisone tablets on the advice of a doctor.

Hydrocortisone comes in various different ways, according to how you need it. Here we are talking about hydrocortisone tablets but you can also get hydrocortisone creams, hydrocortisone lotions and injections.

Important information about hydrocortisone tablets

Hydrocortisone tablets have a number of effects that you need to be aware of:

• They can make you more susceptible to infections: the benefits need to outweigh the issues. It’s not normally a problem, but should you get ill, or come into contact with an infectious disease, whilst taking hydrocortisone tablets, you should consult your GP.
• If you’re having treatment (including dental), always tell the practitioner that you are taking hydrocortisone tablets.
• Don’t stop taking them suddenly as this can cause nasty side effects.

How should you take hydrocortisone tablets?

Hydrocortisone tablets should always come with clear instructions and you should follow the advice that your doctor has given you in line with these instructions. There are some good basic rules to follow:

• Take the dose you’ve been advised to take.
• Take the tablets at the same time each day.
• Take the tablets either with food, or just after food.
• Take them in the morning if you can, if you find that they affect your sleep.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break or crush them.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, unless your next
  dose is due, in which case you should skip it. Do NOT take a double
  dose.

If you are taking slow-release hydrocortisone tablets, do not eat grapefruit as this will change the way the medicine works.

What to do if you take too many hydrocortisone tablets?

Follow the advice you’ve been given carefully. A one-off event of taking too much will likely be fine. However, taking too much for a longer period of time could be harmful. You should consult a doctor and ask their advice.

What are the side effects of hydrocortisone tablets?

All medicines can cause side effects, but how they affect you often can’t be predicted in advance. Hydrocortisone is generally considered to be a mild steroid and most people can take it without any side effects.

Common side effects:

It’s not unusual to feel dizzy, tired or have headaches, especially when you first start taking the tablets. Muscle aches, tummy problems (including nausea and diarrhoea) and swollen ankles are also quite common. Speak to your doctor if these prove troublesome or don’t ease.

Serious side effects:

Serious side effects are unlikely, but when they do occur it is usually in people who’ve been taking hydrocortisone tablets long-term at high doses. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor as soon as you possibly can:

• Depression (including suicidality)
• Fever
• Signs of high blood sugar such as sleepiness or confusion, your breath smelling fruity, increased thirst, increased need to urinate,
  flushing or rapid breathing.
• Signs of Cushing’s syndrome such as unusual weight gain in your belly or upper back and face, an extreme headache and difficulties with wound healing.
• Severe upset stomach or vomiting.
• Muscle pain, craps or weakness.
• Unusual or irregular heartbeat.
• Intense stomach or back pain.
• Breathlessness
• Swelling in your limbs
• Eyesight changes
• Abnormal bruising or bleeding (including black stools or black vomit)

If you show signs of a severe allergy, such as wheezing, puffiness, rashes or throat tightening, seek emergency help straight away.

Can anyone take hydrocortisone tablets?

Most adults and children can take hydrocortisone tablets. However, your doctor will want to consider whether they are suitable for you. They will consider if you’ve taken corticosteroids in the past and if you had any issues with them, whether you have any current infections, and any history of liver problems, heart failure or mental health difficulties. There are various other medical concerns they will consider, and how they will be affected by taking hydrocortisone tablets.

Are hydrocortisone tablets safe for children?

Generally, children are able to take hydrocortisone tablets in the short term. If they take them for longer than a year then there can be issues with their normal growth. It’s important that a doctor oversees a child or teenager taking hydrocortisone tablets.

Can you take hydrocortisone tablets whilst pregnant or breastfeeding?

Hydrocortisone tablets are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, your doctor or midwife will oversee whether doses need changing, or if your baby will need any additional monitoring. The amount of hydrocortisone which transfers to your milk is too small to harm your baby.

Can you take hydrocortisone tablets for a long time?

Depending on why you have been advised to take hydrocortisone tablets, you may need to take them for a long time, or even for life. It’s advisable that a doctor monitors the long-term effects of the tablets if this applies to you.

Long term effects of hydrocortisone tablets can include eyesight problems, difficulties controlling diabetes and osteoporosis.

You can help to protect yourself from some of these effects by taking regular exercise and eating a calcium-rich diet. You should also have your eyes tested regularly and, if you are diabetic, ensure you keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels.

Can you take hydrocortisone tablets if you’re taking other medicines?

Hydrocortisone tablets can be tricky with some other medicines. The issue is usually that other medicines can change the way that the hydrocortisone tablets work. Therefore, always take medical advice before taking hydrocortisone tablets if you are taking other prescribed medicines. For over-the-counter medicines, speak to the pharmacist before you buy them and ask their advice.

Can you take hydrocortisone tablets if you’re taking herbal or alternative remedies?

Hydrocortisone tablets can also be affected by some herbal medicines and alternative remedies, including some vitamins and supplements. You’ll need to find out more about the particular remedy you are taking and how it interacts with hydrocortisone. Your GP should be able to help.

A final word

Hydrocortisone tablets have multiple uses and can be used for many health problems. Hydrocortisone works by suppressing the body’s automatic immune response, to some degree. This means it can tackle over-eager immune responses. Hydrocortisone tablets also replace cortisol, the body’s ‘stress’ hormone if you’re not making enough of it.

This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your local healthcare provider or doctor before placing an order.