Cortef is the brand name of a steroid hormone known in this case as Hydrocortisone.
The term Hydrocortisone refers to a glucocorticoid, a chemical inhibitor of the inflammatory process.
Under normal circumstances, the human body produces this very same steroid hormone. However, when the adrenal glands release this substance naturally, experts tend to call it “Cortisol.”
In other terms, Hydrocortisone is the term used to refer to Cortisol when sold as a medication. And Cortef is the brand name of the medicine.
Cortef is a medication available in several forms such as oral suspension, ointments, tablets, and even intramuscular and intravenous injections performed by a medical expert.
Use
The primary functions of the cortisol are helping the organism to manage stress, reducing inflammation, contributing to the correct functioning of the immune system, among several other useful tasks.
When used as Hydrocortisone (Cortef), it can help doctors to treat patients with rheumatic disorders such as Ankylosing Spondylitis.
People can use Cortef to deal with severe allergic or inflammatory reactions, gastrointestinal conditions, respiratory diseases, and even infections such as tuberculosis and meningitis.
Cortef is also useful for treating some skin disorders. Several of these conditions are the result of an autoimmune response, and Hydrocortisone is capable of slowing down the immune system to alleviate the symptoms.
That is why several doctors resort to this medication in cases of severe psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, fungal infections, among other similar conditions.
When patients have bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and severe allergic reactions to other medications, doctors usually apply a wide variety of therapies.
But when the usual means don’t improve the condition of the patients, healthcare providers use Hydrocortisone as a treatment for such cases.
Cortef can help in treating endocrine disorders such as thyroid inflammation. It could even aid in fighting off the symptoms of Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other cancerous conditions.
Even though the primary function of the medication focuses on reducing swelling and inflammation, it has a wide variety of uses for numerous cases and circumstances.
Dosage
The recommended amount will vary depending on the disease and the severity of the patients’ condition.
When it comes to adults, the dosage of pills could range between 20mg and 240mg per day. Doctors will examine the patient before deciding the daily amount.
In cases of intramuscular or intravenous injections, the initial dose for adult patients will range between 100mg and 500mg at intervals of 2 to 6 hours.
If the patients respond well to the treatment, medical experts will decrease the dose until reaching the lowest amount possible. But if there is no positive response, healthcare providers will consider another therapy.
However, when people suffer from respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions, they must consult with their doctor about how much and how often they’ll need to use Cortef.
Cortef Warnings
People must consult with their doctors or pharmacist to confirm any potential allergy to this medication.
Healthcare providers should examine the medical history of the patients in search of any significant heart condition, issues with high blood pressure, past/current infections, or seizures.
The use of Hydrocortisone medicine could mask signs of underlying infections.
In a few cases, it can even lessen the effectiveness of some vaccines or immunizations.
People should also limit the intake of alcoholic beverages. Combining alcohol with Hydrocortisone could result in stomach bleeding.
The effects of Cortef in pregnant women remains unknown. That is why such patients must discuss with their healthcare providers the potential risk and benefits of taking this medication during their pregnancy.
Doctors must proceed with caution in cases of nursing mothers due to Hydrocortisone being capable of passing into breast milk.
Cortef Side-Effects
In cases of older adults, Cortef can cause stomach bleeding. They may even display extra sensitivity to the medication.
Hydrocortisone may increase blood pressure, excretion of potassium, as well as salt and water retention.
Since this medication weakens the immune system, it lowers the body’s capacity to fight infections.
The prolonged use of Cortef may lead to oral thrush or even a yeast infection.
In rare cases, Cortef causes blood sugar to rise, which can worsen the condition of a patient with diabetes.
Mild side-effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, changes in the menstrual period, insomnia, excessive sweating, and even acne outbreaks.
Sever side-effects include bloody stools, coffee-like vomit, abdominal pain, chest pain, and seizures.
