Cortisone is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, such as skin inflammation, arthritis, allergies, or lupus. This drug is also used as hormone therapy in patients with disorders of the adrenal glands.
Cortisone belongs to the class of corticosteroid drugs that work by preventing the body from releasing substances that cause inflammation. In addition, this drug also has an immunosuppressive effect.
Cortisone trademark: Cortisone acetate
What is Cortisone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Corticosteroids |
| Benefit | Overcome inflammation and allergies |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Cortisone for pregnant and lactating women | Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. Cortisone can be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Injections, tablets |
Precautions Before Using Cortisone
Cortisone should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. There are a few things you should pay attention to before using cortisone:
- Do not use cortisone if you are allergic to this medicine or to corticosteroids. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not use cortisone if you have a yeast infection or a bacterial infection.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages during treatment with cortisone, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, ulcerative colitis, cataracts, peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from an infectious disease, such as malaria, tuberculosis, or herpes infection.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking cortisone.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Cortisone
Cortisone is available in tablet and injection form. Cortisone injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor according to the patient's condition.
The following is a dose of cortisone tablets based on the condition to be treated and the age of the patient:
Condition: Inflammation and allergies
- Mature: The usual dose is 25–300 mg per day. The dose can be reduced gradually after the patient's condition improves.
Condition: Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Mature: 12.5–37.5 mg per day, divided into several doses.
- Children: 5–25 mg per day, divided into several doses.
How to Use Cortisone Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking cortisone tablets. For injectable cortisone, the injection will be carried out directly by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
After cortisone injections, avoid strenuous activities, especially those that put a strain on the part of the body that received the injection. If it hurts, compress the injection site using ice cubes.
Cortisone tablets are taken after meals. Swallow a cortisone tablet with the help of a glass of water. Take cortisone according to the schedule given by the doctor so that treatment is more effective.
If you forget to take cortisone, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose. Tell your doctor if you frequently forget to take cortisone.
Do not increase or decrease the dose of cortisone, and do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first. During long-term treatment with cortisone, check with your doctor regularly.
Store cortisone at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
ICortisone interactions with other drugs
The use of cortisone together with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as typhoid vaccine and BCG vaccine
- Decreased effectiveness of cortisone when used with barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampicin, or ephedrine
- Reduced effectiveness of antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs
- Increased risk of developing hypokalemia when used with thiazides, furosemide, carbenoxolone, or amphotericin B
- Increase or decrease the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs
- Increased levels of salicylate drugs in the blood
- Decreased cortisone levels when used with estrogen
- Increased toxicity or harm of methotrexate
Cortisone Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using cortisone in the long term, namely:
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Excessive hair growth
- Joint pain
- Mood swings
- Acne, dry skin, or thinning skin
- Easy bruising
- Open wounds heal longer
- Easy to sweat
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or bloating
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. In addition, the use of injectable cortisone can also cause side effects in the form of pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Tell your doctor if these side effects do not subside.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Visual disturbances, such as blurry vision
- Swollen legs, sudden weight gain, or shortness of breath
- Depression, behavior changes, or seizures
- Bloody stools or coughing up blood
- Pancreatitis, which can be characterized by pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, or vomiting
- Potassium deficiency, which can be characterized by an irregular heartbeat, feeling weak, or muscle cramps
- Hypertensive crisis, which can be characterized by severe headache, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears
