Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid used to treat corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, endocrine disorders, immune conditions, and allergic disorders. Hydrocortisone, or cortisol, is a glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 5 references
The short-term effects of corticosteroids are decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as decreased leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. Corticosteroids binding to the glucocorticoid receptor mediates changes in gene expression that lead to multiple downstream effects over hours to days.
Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination; they inhibit phospholipase A2, which decreases the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives; they inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors; they promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.
Lower doses of corticosteroids provide an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses are immunosuppressive. High doses of glucocorticoids for an extended period bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, raising sodium levels and decreasing potassium levels.
- Primary indication
- Otic solutions are indicated for infections of the external auditory canal caused by susceptible organisms and with inflammation.Curator reviewed · 91 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C21H30O5 · 362.4599 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1999 · United States, 1952 · European Union, 2021
- Also known as
- 11beta-hydrocortisone · 17-Hydroxycorticosterone · Cortisol · Kendall's compound F · Reichstein's substance M
- Code names
- H02AB09 · NSC-10483
- Brand names
Resolves to
JYGXADMDTFJGBT-VWUMJDOOSA-NSMILES[H][C@@]12CC[C@](O)(C(=O)CO)[C@@]1(C)C[C@H](O)[C@@]1([H])[C@@]2([H])CCC2=CC(=O)CC[C@]12CWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Hydrocortisone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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