pharmacopeia
GET
/api/v1/drug/hydrocortisone
2D structure
(8S,9S,10R,11S,13S,14S,17R)-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
SMILES C[C@]12CCC(=O)C=C1CC[C@@H]3[C@@H]2[C@H](C[C@]4([C@H]3CC[C@@]4(C(=O)CO)O)C)O
InChIKey JYGXADMDTFJGBT-VWUMJDOOSA-N

Mechanism of action

Sourced from openFDA

Mechanism-of-action classes: Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists; Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors.

Corticosteroid Hormone ReceptorGlucocorticoid ReceptorLipoxygenase

Indications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Uses • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctorICD-10: L40.9

Dosage & administration

Sourced from openFDA

Directions • for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: • adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily • children under 2 years of age: do not use, ask a doctor • for external anal and genital itching, adults: • when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly • gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying • apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily • children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor

Warnings & precautions

Sourced from openFDA

For external use only Do not use • in the genital area if you have a vaginal discharge. Consult a doctor. • for the treatment of diaper rash. Consult a doctor. When using this product • avoid contact with the eyes • do not use more than directed unless told to do so by a doctor • do not put directly into the rectum by using fingers or any mechanical device or applicator Stop use and ask a doctor if • condition worsens symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor • rectal bleeding occurs Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).

Approval history

Sourced from openFDA
  • Dec 15, 1952NDANDA008697Pharmacia And Upjohn
  • Apr 27, 1955NDANDA009866Pharmacia And Upjohn
  • Jun 23, 1961NDANDA012770Saptalis Pharms
  • May 17, 1962NDANDA050356Ph Health
  • Jan 12, 1966NDANDA016199Ani Pharms
  • May 25, 1975NDANDA060613Casper Pharma Llc
  • Feb 12, 1982NDANDA017351Viatris
  • Oct 29, 1982NDANDA018652Precision Dermat

FAERS reports

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Reference statistics only. FAERS reports are voluntarily submitted and are not incidence rates, safety signals, or causal evidence. Counts reflect reporting volume — how often a reaction was reported, not how often it occurs. For decision-grade use, consult openFDA and the FAERS Public Dashboard directly.
121,312 total reports matchedLatest report Share = reports listing the reaction ÷ total matched reports. Rows can sum to >100% because a single report often lists multiple reactions.
  1. 1Off Label Use14,65212%
  2. 2Drug Ineffective13,67611%
  3. 3Fatigue12,26910%
  4. 4Pain10,6328.8%
  5. 5Arthralgia9,4827.8%
  6. 6Nausea9,4067.8%
  7. 7Diarrhoea8,8717.3%
  8. 8Rash8,7617.2%
  9. 9Condition Aggravated8,7237.2%
  10. 10Headache8,4957.0%
  11. 11Dyspnoea8,2346.8%
  12. 12Pyrexia7,3236.0%
  13. 13Vomiting6,9315.7%
  14. 14Malaise6,4675.3%
  15. 15Pruritus6,4365.3%

Literature

View JSON

Recent PubMed references pinned to Hydrocortisone as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Clinical trials

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The 10 most recently updated of 1,513 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Hydrocortisone as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

Structural analogs

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Ranked by 2D fingerprint (Tanimoto) similarity over PubChem structures. Structural proximity only — not a claim of therapeutic equivalence.

Frequently asked questions

How does Hydrocortisone work?
Mechanism-of-action classes: Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists; Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors.
What is Hydrocortisone used for?
According to FDA labeling, Hydrocortisone carries indications including: Uses • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching • other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
What class of drug is Hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is classified as Corticosteroids, Corticosteroids acting locally, Corticosteroids/antiinfectives/mydriatics in combination, Corticosteroids for local oral treatment, Corticosteroids, plain, Corticosteroids, weak (group I), Corticosteroids, weak, other combinations, Glucocorticoids, Corticosteroid, Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists, Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists, Lipoxygenase Inhibitors, Carbohydrate Metabolism Alteration, Decreased Capillary Permeability, Decreased Fibroblast Migration, Decreased Glucocorticoid Secretion, Decreased Leukotriene Activity, Decreased Lysosomal Function, Decreased Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Migration, Decreased Prostaglandin Activity, Decreased Protein Synthesis, Decreased Thromboxane Activity, Lipid Metabolism Alteration.
What are the brand names for Hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is marketed under brand names including Ala-Cort, Ala-Scalp, Alcortin, Alcortin A, Alkindi, Alocane Anti-Itch, Ana-Lex, Analpram HC.
Note. Data for hydrocortisone is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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