hydrocortisone

American  

[hahy-druh-kawr-tuh-zohn, -sohn] / ˌhaɪ drəˈkɔr təˌzoʊn, -ˌsoʊn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a steroid hormone, C 21 H 30 O 5 , of the adrenal cortex, active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

2. Also called cortisol.  Pharmacology. 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.

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hydrocortisone British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɔːtɪˌzəʊn /

noun

1. Also called: cortisol.  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

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hydrocortisone Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of hydrocortisone

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

Example Sentences

“I tried my best to do traditional acupuncture, physical therapy and hydrocortisone shots in my spine and everything,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

I can no longer make cortisol on my own and must now take a synthetic form called hydrocortisone several times a day.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2025

Although rare, these adrenal conditions require lifelong daily hydrocortisone replacement therapy.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2023

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

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2023

If hydrocortisone doesn’t help, Butler suggests trying an anti-itch cream with pramoxine hydrochloride.

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2023