MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL

Department of Pharmacy

Department of Nursing

Critical Care

Generic Name: Hydrocortisone
Trade Name: Solu-Cortef
Action: Glucocorticoid
Indications: Adrenal Insufficiency
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Cerebral Edema
Inflammatory Diseases
Administration Guidelines:
Usual Dosage Range and Route: SINGLE DOSE: 50 to 100 mg IVP every 8 hours

24 HOUR CUMULATIVE DOSE: 2 Grams

Special Considerations: - Monitor serum glucose, serum electrolytes, and serum osmolality.

- Prolonged administration may require tapering of dose discontinue therapy.

- May require hyperglycemic therapy in susceptible patients.

- Dosage range may vary greatly depending on disease state.

Precautions and Side Effects: - Electrolyte imbalance, sodium and fluid retention

- Hyperglycemia

- CNS disturbances, hallucinations

- Gastrointestinal disturbances

- Adrenal suppression

 

Rev:9/00