Adult Dosing
Adrenocortical insufficiency
- 20-240 mg/day PO divided tid-qid
- Note: Dose requirements are variable and must be individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and response of the patient. Taper gradually to withdraw after long term therapy
Corticosteroid responsive conditions
- 20-240 mg/day PO divided tid-qid
- Note: Dose requirements are variable and must be individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and response of the patient. Taper gradually to withdraw after long term therapy
Pediatric Dosing
Chronic adrenocortical insufficiency
- 5-6 mg/kg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses
- Note: Dose requirements are variable and must be individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and response of the patient. Taper gradually to withdraw after long term therapy
Other conditions
- 2–8 mg/kg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Corticosteroids can mask signs of infection; new infections appear during use
- Live or live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids
- May cause drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency after discontinuation of therapy, remitted by reducing the dose. Give hormone therapy if any stress occurs during this period
- Psychic derangement's may appear
- May have enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and cirrhosis
- Long term therapy may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma, secondary ocular infections
- Monitor serum electrolytes, BP, serum glucose, chest x-ray if prolonged therapy; ophthalmological examination if treatment >6 wks
- Monitor BMD if prolonged therapy or if >65 yrs; upper GI x-ray if history of PUD
- Monitor growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy
Cautions: Use cautiously in
Supplemental Patient Information
- Warn patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles. Seek medical advice without delay if any exposure occurs
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown, other better studied alternate corticosteroids should be preferred. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 12 October 2010). Neonates born of mothers who have received corticosteroid therapy during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Cortef 10 MG TABS [Bottle] (PFIZER U.S.)
30 mg = $29.99
90 mg = $66.97 - Hydrocortisone 20 MG TABS [Bottle] (QUALITEST)
30 mg = $39.99
90 mg = $95.97 - Cortef 20 MG TABS [Bottle] (PFIZER U.S.)
30 mg = $48.37
90 mg = $145.1 - Cortef 5 MG TABS [Bottle] (PFIZER U.S.)
50 mg = $29.99
100 mg = $48.97
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
