What is the mechanism of hydrocortisone? What are the risks of using high doses?

Hydrocortisone, the synthetic form of the hormone cortisol, it works by calming down your body's immune response to reduce pain, itching and swelling (inflammation). It can also be used as hormone replacement for people who do not have enough of the natural stress hormone, cortisol. Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataract, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

You may like