Cortef 100mg/2ml IM/IV Injection

✔️ Side Effects:

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Fluid retention and swelling
• Increased blood glucose and reduced glucose tolerance
• Mood changes, euphoria, depression, or insomnia
• Acne and other skin changes
• Menstrual irregularities
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Esophageal candidiasis
• Electrolyte disturbances and, in some cases, cardiac rhythm abnormalities

✔️ Medicines that may interact with hydrocortisone include:

• Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampicin: May increase corticosteroid metabolism and reduce its effects.
• Ketoconazole and certain other enzyme inhibitors: May reduce corticosteroid metabolism and increase the risk of adverse effects.
• Other medicines: Certain diabetes medicines, anticoagulants, diuretics, NSAIDs, and other corticosteroids may require monitoring or adjustment.

✔️ Use Cortef cautiously under medical supervision in patients with:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension or congestive heart failure
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Glaucoma or other eye disorders
• Epilepsy
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney or liver disorders
• Existing or recent infections

Corticosteroids may mask signs of infection and increase infection risk. Patients should inform their healthcare professional about current infections, recent exposure to contagious diseases, and planned vaccinations.

✔️ Dosage & Administration

Injection:

• Adults: Hydrocortisone may be administered by intramuscular injection, slow intravenous injection, or intravenous infusion. The initial dose may range from 100 mg to 500 mg, depending on the severity of the condition and the clinical situation. Further doses are determined by the treating clinician.
• Children: Doses depend on age, body weight, condition, and severity. Emergency dosing must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.

✔️ Contraindications

Hydrocortisone is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the medicine or its ingredients and in certain severe systemic fungal infections. The specific formulation and clinical circumstances should be reviewed before treatment.

✔️ Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cortef should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. The dose and duration should be determined by the treating clinician.

✔️ Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children. Follow the specific storage instructions on the product packaging, especially for injectable formulations.