What is Hydrocortisone rectal?
Hydrocortisone rectal (foam, enema, or emulsion) is a steroid medication that is used in conjunction with other medications to treat ulcerative colitis.This medication guide does not list all uses of hydrocortisone.
Side effects of Hydrocortisone rectal
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in your lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Hydrocortisone rectal may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you have severe pain in your rectum or if it is burning or bleeding, seek medical attention.
- Flu or other symptoms of infection?
- Vision changes
- Joint pain and muscle weakness;
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- You may experience severe headaches with ringing in the ears or pain behind the eyes.
- A seizure;
- Heart problems: chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and rapid weight gain.
- Low sodium level: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats or increased thirst, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.
- Low calcium level—muscle contractions or spasms, numbness, or tingling feeling (around the mouth or fingers and toes);
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody stools, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, or coughing up blood.
Some of the common side effects associated with hydrocortisone rectal include:
- Stomach pain, bloating;
- Acne, rash, redness, dryness;
- Changes in your menstrual cycle;
- Increased sweating
- Changes in the shape or location (especially on your face, neck, and waist) of body fat
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Entyvio, Zeposia, Colazal, Simponi, Prednisone, Albuterol, and Dexamethasone
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider of any current medical conditions, allergies or medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have any of the following:
- A fungal infection;
- An intestinal infection;
- A fistula or perforation in your intestines
- Obstruction of the bowel, or severe constipation.
- If you need certain vaccinations,
- If you have recently undergone surgery to your intestines,
- If you have an allergy to parabens, propylene glycol, or any other ingredient in the rectal foam,
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Any type of infection, including TB, or a parasite that causes diarrhea (such as threadworms);
- A stomach ulcer or diverticulitis
- Unexplained diarrhea
- Heart problems, hypertension, or an attack.
- Adrenal gland problems
- Vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma, or Herpes simplex in the eyes
- Diabetes or thyroid disease;
- Osteoporosis, or low bone mineral densities;
- Myasthenia gravis;
- Kidney disease
Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.
How to take hydrocortisone rectal?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the instructions on how to use your medicine. Use the medicine for as little time and in the least amount to treat your condition.Take it only by mouth. Rectal medication is only to be used on the rectum.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Use rectal medication only after you have emptied your bowels and bladder.After using the medicine, wash your hands.Only use the applicator that comes with this medication to insert it into your rectum.If you insert the tip of the applicator too deeply, it could cause damage to your rectum.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, contact your physician immediately.During illness or stressful situations, your dose may need to change. You should not stop using hydrocortisone or change your dosage without consulting your doctor.Store away from moisture or heat.Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat sources.Rectal foam can be flammable. Avoid open flames or high temperatures. If the canister gets too warm, it may explode. Empty foam canisters should not be punctured or burned.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a poisonous situation or seek immediate medical care.The use of steroids in high doses can cause thinning of the skin, easy bleeding, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, face, back, and waist), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of sexual interest.
What should be avoided?
Don't receive a live vaccine while you are using hydrocortisone. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever (typhoid), varicella, zoster, and influenza (nasal flu).Avoid being around people who are sick. If you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox, call your doctor immediately for treatment. These conditions are serious and can even be fatal for people taking steroid medication.
Interaction with other drug
Sometimes taking multiple medications at the same time isn't safe. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective.Hydrocortisone can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
