25 In the index

Hydrocortisone HC

The medical version of the body's own cortisol, FDA-approved as hormone replacement for adrenal problems and, as a cream, for inflamed skin. Its effectiveness is well established for both uses, and the risks of long-term overuse mirror the harms of naturally having too much cortisol.

Also known as Cortef, cortisol, Acticort, Cetacort, Hydrocortisyl, Cobadex, Hytone, Cortenema

Effects Hormonal

Routes Oral Topical

Legal status Prescription drug

WADA Banned in-competition

3D Molecular Structure of C₂₁H₃₀O₅

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Chemistry

Formula: C21H30O5
Molar mass: 362.5
CAS: 50-23-7
PubChem CID: 5754
IUPAC name: (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
InChIKey: JYGXADMDTFJGBT-VWUMJDOOSA-N

Reported dosing

Approved label

What has been reported in the literature and by users. This is a record of what is done, not a recommendation.

Typical dose 20-25 mg/day (physiologic replacement)

Reported range 15-30 mg/day, divided doses (systemic); low-percentage creams for topical use

Route Oral, IV, or topical

Frequency 2-3 times daily (oral, replacement therapy); once or twice daily (topical)

Duration Chronic/ongoing (as prescribed, for adrenal insufficiency) or short-term (topical skin conditions)

FDA-approved corticosteroid and the pharmaceutical form of cortisol; systemic replacement dosing applies to diagnosed adrenal insufficiency, not general supplementation.

Where this comes from FDA prescribing information

These figures are recorded for reference and are not a recommendation. Dosing is a decision for you and a clinician.