Description

Hydrocortisone injection is a corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) used for its powerful anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and hormone-replacement effects. It is often given intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or injected into soft tissues when rapid control of inflammation or adrenal hormone replacement is needed. 

Prescription

  Prescription-only Medicine (POM).
Hydrocortisone injection is administered under medical supervision, typically in hospitals or clinics. 

Therapeutic Category

Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid) — used for inflammation, allergic reactions, adrenal insufficiency, shock, autoimmune disorders, severe asthma/exacerbations, and other conditions requiring systemic steroid effects. 

Active Ingredients / Composition

• Active: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate equivalent to 100 mg hydrocortisone per vial. 
• Excipients: Vary by brand but may include sodium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment, etc. 
• This form (sodium succinate) dissolves easily in water for injection. 

Variant

Sterile dry powder for injection (must be reconstituted before use). Usually single-dose 100 mg vial. 

Consume Type

Parenteral injection:
➤ Intravenous (IV) — direct into bloodstream
➤ Intramuscular (IM) — into muscle
➤ Soft-tissue injection — per clinician’s strategy
Hydrocortisone injection is not for oral use. 

Directions/Usage

• Administered only by a healthcare professional.
• Dose and frequency depend on the condition (e.g., adrenal crisis, severe allergic reaction, shock, rheumatic flare, asthma, inflammatory disorders) and patient response. 
• Often repeated several times in 24 hours for acute needs (e.g., 100–500 mg every 6–8 h in critical situations). 
• Vial must be reconstituted with sterile water or saline prior to use. 

Common Side Effects

Side effects can be local (injection site) or systemic (whole body):
Local/Injection-related:
• Irritation, pain at injection site (common with IM)Systemic (from steroid action):
• Increased blood sugar, fluid retention, weight gain
• Mood/behavior changes, insomnia
• Increased infection risk (immune suppression)
• Acne, skin thinning with prolonged use
• Hypertension, electrolyte changes
• Weight redistribution (Cushing-like features with long-term use) Emergency reactions (rare):
• Severe allergic reaction
• Adrenal insufficiency symptoms if stopped suddenly
• Gastrointestinal bleeding in high doses 

Package Type

• Typically vials of sterile powder for injection, for example:
  • 1 × 100 mg single-dose vial (dry powder) 

(Some brands may show solution forms, but most 100 mg hydrocortisone injections are dry powder.) 

Storage Advice

• Store dry, at controlled room temperature (e.g., 15–30 °C) or as specified by manufacturer.
  • Protect from light and moisture — do not refrigerate if not required by label.
  • Keep the vial sealed until use.
  • Use reconstituted solution immediately (discard unused).

Safety Advice

✔ Hydrocortisone injection must be used by or under the supervision of a doctor due to its potent systemic effects.
✔ Monitor for infections — steroids suppress the immune system.
✔ Avoid sudden withdrawal after long-term use — may cause adrenal crisis.
✔ Long-term or repeated use increases risk of Cushing syndrome, osteoporosis, and glucose intolerance.
✔ Avoid live vaccines during systemic steroid therapy.
✔ Report severe side effects such as mood changes, vision changes, severe GI pain, or signs of infection.. ✔ Monitor blood pressure, glucose, electrolytes, and adrenal function as indicated by clinician.

Product Substitutes

Other hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection products manufactured by different companies are considered generics or equivalents (e.g., Solu-Cortef®, A-Hydrocort). 

Manufacturer / Marketer

Examples include:
• Cipla Ltd. / Cipla USA, Inc. — hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection products.
• Vital Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. — marketed hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100 mg in Nigeria.
• Shandong Shenglu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. — other marketed versions. 

(The actual manufacturer/marketing authorization may vary by brand and country — check the pack label.)

Country of Origin
•   India