Molecular Formula: C21H30O5
Molecular weight: 362.5 g/mol
CAS No: 50-23-7
Drug Class: Corticosteroid; Glucocorticoid; Mineralocorticoid
General Properties:
Cortisol is a 17alpha-hydroxy-C21-steroid that is pregn-4-ene substituted by oxo groups at positions 3 and 20 and hydroxy groups at positions 11, 17 and 21. Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone or glucocorticoid produced by zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, which is a part of the adrenal gland. It is usually referred to as the “stress hormone” as it is involved in response to stress and anxiety, controlled by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). It increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses. It has a role as an anti-inflammatory drug, an anti-allergic agent, an anti-asthmatic drug, a human metabolite, a mouse metabolite and a drug allergen. It is a 21-hydroxy steroid, an 11beta-hydroxy steroid, a 20-oxo steroid, a 3-oxo-Delta(4) steroid, a primary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a 17alpha-hydroxy-C21-steroid and a glucocorticoid. It derives from a hydride of a pregnane.
Hydrocortisone, or cortisol, is a glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone is used to treat immune, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. It was discovered in the 1930s by Edward Kendall and named Compound F, or 17-hydroxycorticosterone. Hydrocortisone was granted FDA approval on 5 August 1952.
Hydrocortisone is a Corticosteroid. The mechanism of action of hydrocortisone is as a Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonist.
Indication:
Hydrocortisone tablets are indicated for certain endocrine, rheumatic, collagen, allergic, ophthalmic, respiratory, hematologic, neoplastic, edematous, gastrointestinal, and other conditions. Hydrocortisone is the pharmaceutical term for cortisol used in oral administration, intravenous injection, or topical application. It is used as an immunosuppressive drug, given by injection in the treatment of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, in place of prednisolone in patients needing steroid treatment but unable to take oral medication, and perioperatively in patients on long-term steroid treatment to prevent an adrenal crisis. It may also be injected into inflamed joints resulting from diseases such as gout.
It may be used topically for allergic rashes, eczema, psoriasis, itching and other inflammatory skin conditions. Topical hydrocortisone creams and ointments are available in most countries without prescription in strengths ranging from 0.05% to 2.5% (depending on local regulations) with stronger forms available by prescription only.[citation needed]
It may also be used rectally in suppositories to relieve the swelling, itch, and irritation in haemorrhoids.
It may be used as an acetate form (hydrocortisone acetate), which has slightly different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
