Hydrocortisone is a systemic steroid that is mainly prescribed for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency.

Hydrocortisone is a systemic steroid that is mainly prescribed for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency.

• A. Adrenal insufficiency
• B. Inflammation
• C. Allergic reactions
• D. Infectious disease

Answer: (A)

Hydrocortisone acts as physiologic replacement for cortisol in adrenal insufficiency. Because it is identical to endogenous cortisol, it provides the necessary glucocorticoid effects for stress response and metabolism, and also offers meaningful mineralocorticoid activity to help maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance. In adrenal insufficiency, the body cannot produce enough cortisol (and often aldosterone), so replacing it is essential and life-sustaining. While hydrocortisone can be used for inflammation or allergic reactions due to its anti-inflammatory effects, those uses rely on different dosing and potency, and are not the primary reason for its systemic use. The defining indication in this context is replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency.

Hydrocortisone acts as physiologic replacement for cortisol in adrenal insufficiency. Because it is identical to endogenous cortisol, it provides the necessary glucocorticoid effects for stress response and metabolism, and also offers meaningful mineralocorticoid activity to help maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance. In adrenal insufficiency, the body cannot produce enough cortisol (and often aldosterone), so replacing it is essential and life-sustaining. While hydrocortisone can be used for inflammation or allergic reactions due to its anti-inflammatory effects, those uses rely on different dosing and potency, and are not the primary reason for its systemic use. The defining indication in this context is replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency.