Fluid retention is among the most commonly reported adverse effects of hydrocortisone, which can aggravate hypertension and congestive heart failure. It is also associated with:
Fluid and electrolyte disturbances
Sodium retention
Fluid retention
Potassium loss
Hypokalemic alkalosis
Cardiovascular effects
Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients
Increased blood pressure
Musculoskeletal effects
Muscle weakness
Steroid myopathy
Loss of muscle mass
Osteoporosis
Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon
Vertebral compression fractures
Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads
Pathologic fracture of long bones
Gastrointestinal effects
Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage
Pancreatitis
Abdominal distention
Ulcerative esophagitis
Increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels
Dermatologic effects
Impaired wound healing
Thin, fragile skin
Petechiae and ecchymoses
Facial erythema
Increased sweating
May suppress reactions to skin tests
Neurological effects
Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri), usually after treatment
Convulsions
Vertigo
Headache
Epidural lipomatosis
Behavioral and mood changes
Endocrine effects
Increased appetite and weight gain
Development of Cushingoid state
Suppression of growth in children
Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness
Menstrual irregularities
Decreased carbohydrate tolerance
Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus
Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetic patients
Ophthalmic effects
Central serous chorioretinopathy
Posterior subcapsular cataracts
Increased intraocular pressure
Glaucoma
Exophthalmos
Metabolic effects
Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Leukocytosis
Learn more about hydrocortisone.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Mary L. Windle. Rapid Rx Quiz: Corticosteroids - Medscape - Jul 14, 2022.
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