hydrocortisone

[ hahy-druh-kawr-tuh-zohn, -sohn ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a steroid hormone, C 21 H 30 O 5 , of the adrenal cortex, active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
2. Pharmacology. Also called cortisol. a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, C 21 H 30 O 5 , used in the treatment of shock, allergies, certain forms of arthritis, and other conditions.

hydrocortisone

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɔːtɪˌzəʊn /

noun

1. the principal glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex; 17-hydroxycorticosterone. The synthesized form is used mainly in treating rheumatic, allergic, and inflammatory disorders. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 5 Also calledcortisol

hydrocortisone

/ hī′drə-kôr′tĭ-sōn′,-zōn′ /

1. A preparation of the hormone cortisol that is obtained naturally or produced synthetically and is used widely in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and allergies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocortisone¹

First recorded in 1950–55; hydro- ² + cortisone

Example Sentences

Unable to produce the stress hormone cortisol, Jorgie needed a higher dose of hydrocortisone if she was poorly.

From BBC

The new 'Pulsatility' therapy, the culmination of ten years research by the Bristol team, is designed to deliver standard hydrocortisone replacement to patients via a pump which replicates more closely cortisol's natural rhythmic secretion pattern.

From Science Daily

Antihistamines can help if bites are very itchy, while a mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone might be useful.

From BBC

You can use calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce or alleviate the itch.

From Los Angeles Times

Look for a cream with hydrocortisone, a mild steroid that is typically used two times a day for two weeks.

From Washington Post