FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used on the skin to relieve redness, itching, and inflammation from eczema and other skin conditions.

Brand names Alkindi SprinkleCortefCortrilCortenemaScalpicin Itch Relief +11 more
Drug class ⓘ Corticosteroid
Rx/OTC Forms 9 Routes Topical · Oral · Rectal · Intramuscular, Intravenous +1
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 491 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveJun 5, 2025
Clinical labels in scope ⓘ491
AvailabilityRx/OTC
Earliest approval/marketing year ⓘ1951
FDA-listed product records ⓘ1,390
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
Other forms & routes:
Injection Rectal Topical
⭐ Hydrocortisone at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
Hydrocortisone is an effective and widely used corticosteroid for calming skin inflammation and itching — but it works best when used correctly. Use only the amount, area, and duration your prescriber recommends, especially in children. If you notice changes in vision, signs of infection, or unusual fatigue, call your doctor promptly.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →

📖 Hydrocortisone: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Hydrocortisone — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for▾

Hydrocortisone treats inflammation and itching in skin conditions and in the lower bowel. Key uses include:

  • Adults: Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions that respond to corticosteroid treatment
  • Children 3 months and older: Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Rectal form: Inflammation of the lower bowel (such as ulcerative proctitis)
⚙️How it works▾

Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid — the same class of steroid your body naturally produces. It works by stepping into cells and changing how they signal to each other, which turns down the immune response and reduces the swelling, redness, and itch that come with inflammation. For eczema specifically, the exact chain of events isn't fully understood, but the anti-inflammatory effect is well established.

When applied to skin, how much gets absorbed depends on where you apply it, whether skin is broken or inflamed, and whether you cover it with a bandage or wrap. More absorption means more effect — but also more risk of whole-body (systemic) side effects.

💊How it's taken▾

Hydrocortisone comes in several forms — cream, lotion, and rectal foam — and the dosing routine depends on which one you're using and what condition is being treated.

  • Topical cream/lotion: Typically applied twice daily to the affected area
  • Rectal foam: Usually once or twice daily at first, tapering to every other day as things improve
  • Always use the smallest amount that controls your symptoms, for the shortest time needed
  • Do not stop a longer course suddenly — follow your prescriber's plan to taper down
🤒Side effects — in detail▾

The most common side effects happen right where you apply the medication. Watch for:

  • Burning, itching, or irritation at the application site
  • Folliculitis — small pimple-like bumps near hair follicles
  • Acne or acne-like breakouts
  • Skin dryness
  • Lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation)
  • Skin thinning or stretch marks with long-term use
  • Blurred vision or eye pressure changes

More serious reactions — like signs of adrenal suppression (unusual fatigue or weakness), eye problems (vision changes), or spreading skin infections — need prompt medical attention.

⚠️Warnings & precautions▾
  • Adrenal (HPA-axis) suppression: Using hydrocortisone over large skin areas, under occlusive (airtight) dressings, or for extended periods can interfere with your body's own steroid production. Children are especially at risk because their skin covers proportionally more of their body mass. Watch for unusual tiredness or weakness.
  • Eye risks: Long-term use near the eyes is linked to cataracts and glaucoma (raised eye pressure). Report any vision changes to your doctor right away.
  • Infection risk: Corticosteroids lower immune defenses. Hydrocortisone can mask signs of a worsening infection. If your treated area looks infected, tell your doctor.
  • Cushing's syndrome: Heavy or widespread use can cause too much steroid in the system — signs include weight gain around the face or belly, stretch marks, and high blood sugar.
  • Do not stop abruptly after long-term use — your prescriber will help you taper safely.
🔀What it interacts with▾

Hydrocortisone can interact with several common medications — always tell your prescriber and pharmacist everything you take:

  • Warfarin (blood thinner): Hydrocortisone can reduce its anticoagulant effect; requires monitoring
  • Diabetes medications: Hydrocortisone raises blood sugar, which may require dose adjustments
  • Diuretics or amphotericin B: Increased risk of low potassium (hypokalemia) and potentially serious heart effects
  • Cyclosporine: Both drugs become more potent together; seizures have been reported
  • Macrolide antibiotics: Slow hydrocortisone clearance, amplifying its effects
  • Estrogens / oral contraceptives: May raise hydrocortisone levels by slowing its breakdown
  • Ketoconazole: Can increase hydrocortisone levels by up to 60%
  • Enzyme inducers (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates): Speed up clearance, making hydrocortisone less effective

This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

📋Before taking it▾
  • Tell your doctor about any known allergy to hydrocortisone or any ingredient in the product
  • Children: More vulnerable to systemic (whole-body) side effects due to their higher skin-surface-to-body-mass ratio — monitor closely
  • Pregnancy: Animal studies showed fetal harm; no large human studies exist — weigh risks and benefits with your doctor
  • Skin infections: Not appropriate as a stand-alone treatment if an active skin infection is present
  • Liver problems: Slower drug clearance increases exposure and risk of side effects
  • Thyroid conditions: Thyroid function affects how fast the body clears corticosteroids
  • Rectal foam — do not use if you have bowel obstruction, abscess, perforation, peritonitis, or recent bowel surgery
  • Tell your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
🚑If you take too much▾

If too much hydrocortisone is absorbed or used over a long period, it can cause systemic effects like adrenal suppression. Acute overdose is managed with supportive care — treating the symptoms. For chronic overuse in someone who still needs a corticosteroid, the dose may be carefully reduced or switched to an every-other-day schedule rather than stopped abruptly. Contact your doctor or poison control if you're concerned about overuse.

📡Pharmacodynamics — effects in the body▾

When used topically, hydrocortisone reduces the signs of inflammation in the skin — including redness, swelling, and itch — by modifying how the immune system responds locally. Studies in children using the cream under heavier-than-recommended conditions found that a small percentage showed signs of HPA-axis suppression (meaning the adrenal glands were temporarily making less of their own cortisol). In those cases, adrenal function returned to normal within about a month to two months after stopping treatment.

🔬Pharmacokinetics — how your body processes it▾

When taken orally, hydrocortisone is well absorbed — about 87% reaches the bloodstream — and peak levels are typically seen within about 45 minutes to an hour. When applied to the skin, absorption depends on factors like skin integrity, how much area is treated, and whether an occlusive (airtight) dressing is used. In the body, 90% or more of hydrocortisone binds to proteins in the blood. It is broken down mainly in the liver and cleared through the urine. The half-life — the time it takes for the body to clear half the drug — is about 1.5 hours.

📦How to store it▾

Hydrocortisone Butyrate Ointment, 0. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .

📄 Written from Hydrocortisone’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

205

Supplements & herbs that interact with Hydrocortisone

205 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Hydrocortisone in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 4
  • Moderate · 164
  • Minor · 37
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major GRAPEFRUIT Major LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Major ST. JOHN'S WORT Major ACACIA RIGIDULA Moderate ACTIVE HEXOSE CORRELATED COMPOUND (AHCC) Moderate ADRAFINIL Moderate AFRICAN WILD POTATO Moderate +197 more
Every supplement checked against Hydrocortisone — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 4 major · 164 moderate · 37 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Hydrocortisone against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

8

Nutrient depletion considerations

Hydrocortisone has been associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

Evidence & significance mix
  • Higher significance · 1
  • Moderate · 5
  • Unrated · 2
ZINC Insignificant Depletion CALCIUM Moderate Depletion CHROMIUM Moderate Depletion MAGNESIUM Moderate Depletion POTASSIUM Moderate Depletion VITAMIN D Moderate Depletion SELENIUM Insufficient Evidence STRONTIUM Insufficient Evidence
See the full Hydrocortisone nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Hydrocortisone — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What exactly is this cream supposed to do for my skin? ▾
It's designed to calm down inflammation — so the redness, swelling, and itching that come with conditions like eczema should ease up, usually within a few days of consistent use. It doesn't cure the underlying condition, but it gives your skin relief while it heals.
How long can I keep using it? Is it okay to use every day long-term? ▾
That's a really important question. Hydrocortisone is generally meant for short courses — typically a few weeks. Long-term or widespread use can cause side effects like skin thinning, stretch marks, and suppression of your body's own natural steroid production. Your prescriber will tell you when it's time to taper off or take breaks. Don't extend use on your own without checking in.
Can I use this on my baby or young child? ▾
Yes, the cream version is approved for children as young as 3 months for mild to moderate eczema — but children absorb more of the medication through their skin proportionally than adults do, so it's important to use only as directed and for no longer than your doctor recommends. Check in with your child's doctor if you notice any unusual fatigue or if the skin isn't improving.
Are there any medicines I should avoid while using this? ▾
Yes — a few important ones. If you take a blood thinner like warfarin, diabetes medication, cyclosporine, or certain antifungals like ketoconazole, there are interactions worth knowing about. Some drugs can raise hydrocortisone levels in your body; others reduce how well it works. Always tell your pharmacist everything you're taking so they can flag anything that needs attention.
I'm pregnant — is it safe to use? ▾
There are no large-scale human studies on this specific form of hydrocortisone in pregnancy, and some animal studies did show fetal effects at higher doses. That doesn't mean you can't use it, but it does mean you should talk to your doctor first so you can weigh the benefits versus any potential risks together. Don't just assume it's fine because it's a topical product.
Should I be worried about using it near my eyes? ▾
Yes — it's worth being careful. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids near the eyes has been linked to cataracts and glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye). If you notice any changes in your vision, blurring, or eye discomfort while using this product, let your doctor know right away. They may refer you to an eye specialist.
Is Hydrocortisone available over the counter? ▾
Both — Hydrocortisone is sold both over the counter and by prescription, according to its FDA labeling. Lower strengths or certain forms are often available without a prescription, while higher strengths or specialized forms still require one. Ask your pharmacist which version is right for you.
When was Hydrocortisone first available? ▾
Hydrocortisone has been available in the United States since at least 1951, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
Who makes Hydrocortisone? ▾
Hydrocortisone is supplied by 357 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including Bryant Ranch Prepack, Chattem, Inc., A-S Medication Solutions.

💬 Answers drafted from Hydrocortisone’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

🧰 Keep exploring

📊Hydrocortisone supplement interactions205 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerHydrocortisone vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Hydrocortisone NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication

💊 How Hydrocortisone comes

Hydrocortisone is available in 9 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Cortef
Available strengths 3 strengths
5 mg 10 mg 20 mg
106 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Rectal suppository

Rectal
Brands Anucort-hc Anusol HC Proctocort
Available strengths 2 strengths
25 mg 30 mg
66 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical spray

On the skin
Available strengths 3 strengths
10 mg/g 10 mg/mL 1 g/100 g
13 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Inhaler

On the skin
Available strengths 2 strengths
10 mg/g 1.13 g/113 g
8 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Oral powder

By mouth
Available strengths 4 strengths
0.5 mg 1 mg 2 mg 5 mg
8 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Enema

Rectal
Brands Cortenema
Available strengths 1 strength
100 mg/60 mL
6 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

📊 Hydrocortisone across the U.S. market

How Hydrocortisone appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

9
Dose forms ⓘ
357
Manufacturers
40
Brand names
1,390
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1951
First marketed ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (64) · Kit (4) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Bryant Ranch Prepack12%
Chattem, Inc.8%
A-S Medication Solutions5%
Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC5%
Trifecta Pharmaceuticals Usa Llc4%
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.4%
Other makers61%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

📈 How widely Hydrocortisone is used

A general measure of how commonly Hydrocortisone is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Hydrocortisone is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

3,162,599
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$87.3M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Hydrocortisone prescribed? Of the 1,596 medications we measure, Hydrocortisone ranks #68 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 96% of them.

Where Hydrocortisone ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #68 of 1,596
#63 Budesonide / Formotero... 3,326,951 Rx #64 Meloxicam 3,321,801 Rx #65 Folic Acid 3,298,551 Rx #66 Metronidazole 3,247,421 Rx #67 Hydrochlorothiazide 3,216,975 Rx #68 Hydrocortisone 3,162,599 Rx #69 Divalproex 3,122,967 Rx #70 Tirzepatide injection 3,083,095 Rx #71 Tirzepatide 3,083,095 Rx #72 Levetiracetam 3,055,070 Rx #73 Oxycodone 3,037,434 Rx

Utilization by Hydrocortisone product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 25 mg/mL topical cream is the most-dispensed Hydrocortisone product — about 41% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

hydrocortisone 25 MG/ML Topical Cream Most dispensed

1,308,098 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 41% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $15.7M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 11 of 69 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 310891

hydrocortisone 0.025 MG/MG Topical Ointment

892,566 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 28% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $10.7M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 15 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 103401

hydrocortisone 10 MG/ML Topical Cream

419,091 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 13% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $5.5M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $13 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 24 of 491 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 106258

hydrocortisone 0.01 MG/MG Topical Ointment

192,661 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 6% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $2.6M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $13 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 77 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 203105

hydrocortisone 5 MG Oral Tablet

116,759 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 4% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $2.9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $25 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 36 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197787

hydrocortisone 10 MG Oral Tablet

69,349 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 2% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $1.8M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $25 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 7 of 27 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197782

hydrocortisone 25 MG/ML Topical Lotion

44,028 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $1M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $24 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 9 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197785

hydrocortisone 5 MG/ML Topical Cream

23,745 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $189,563 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $7.98 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 19 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 198707

hydrocortisone butyrate 1 MG/ML Topical Solution

21,784 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $2.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $111 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1370767

hydrocortisone 20 MG Oral Tablet

14,634 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $354,823 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $24 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 5 of 20 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197783

hydrocortisone 100 MG Injection

14,215 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $896,589 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $63 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 11 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 238755

hydrocortisone 0.02 MG/MG Topical Gel

12,314 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $27.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $2,224 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 604449

hydrocortisone 25 MG/ML Topical Solution

7,660 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $5.7M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $738 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 3 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 197786

hydrocortisone butyrate 1 MG/ML Topical Cream

5,046 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $897,126 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $178 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1370770

hydrocortisone valerate 2 MG/ML Topical Cream

4,431 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $100,610 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $23 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 10 of 30 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1370754

hydrocortisone valerate 0.002 MG/MG Topical Ointment

3,029 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $260,064 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $86 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 14 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1370750

hydrocortisone butyrate 1 MG/ML Topical Lotion

2,800 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $804,932 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $287 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 13 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1370763

hydrocortisone acetate 0.01 MG/MG Topical Ointment

2,716 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $30,418 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $11 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 7 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1440184

hydrocortisone 1.67 MG/ML Enema

1,721 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $299,826 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $174 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 11 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 310878

hydrocortisone butyrate 0.001 MG/MG Topical Ointment

1,251 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $148,093 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $118 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 7 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1370758

hydrocortisone acetate 25 MG Rectal Suppository

1,111 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $112,790 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $102 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 8 of 69 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1291082

hydrocortisone 2 MG Oral Granules

864 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $3.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $3,725 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2399656

hydrocortisone acetate 100 MG/ML Rectal Foam

845 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $505,603 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $598 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1545172

hydrocortisone 1 MG Oral Granules

804 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $1.5M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $1,817 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2399652

hydrocortisone 0.5 MG Oral Granules

381 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $334,017 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $877 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2399644

hydrocortisone 250 MG Injection

310 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $22,929 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $74 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1738590

hydrocortisone 5 MG Oral Granules

281 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $1.9M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $6,805 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2399659

hydrocortisone 1000 MG Injection

105 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Hydrocortisone prescriptions shown $23,424 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $223 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1738586

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Hydrocortisone, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 116 of 953 listed Hydrocortisone NDCs with Medicaid activity.

🔍 Compare Hydrocortisone products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Hydrocortisone — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 200 of 1,390 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 1,390 Hydrocortisone NDCs →

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Hydrocortisone RxCUI 5492 26 dose forms · 66 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Enema RxCUI 372421 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1.67 MG/ML RxCUI 310878
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 370648 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) sodium phosphate 50 MG/ML RxCUI 1037338 100 MG/ML RxCUI 250788
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Suspension RxCUI 378635 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 25 MG/ML RxCUI 238754
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Injection RxCUI 1738585 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG RxCUI 238755 250 MG RxCUI 1738590 500 MG RxCUI 1738594 1000 MG RxCUI 1738586
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Medicated Shampoo RxCUI 900410 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 1926571
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Ointment RxCUI 108133 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 0.005 MG/MG RxCUI 1542920 acetate 0.01 MG/MG RxCUI 1542921 acetate 0.025 MG/MG RxCUI 1542922
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Ophthalmic Solution RxCUI 372417 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 250804
  8. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Granules RxCUI 2399643 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.5 MG RxCUI 2399644 1 MG RxCUI 2399652 2 MG RxCUI 2399656 5 MG RxCUI 2399659
  9. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Lozenge RxCUI 372422 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 2.5 MG RxCUI 251452
  10. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 2716549 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1 MG/ML RxCUI 2716550
  11. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 370647 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 2 MG/ML RxCUI 310899
  12. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 370649 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG RxCUI 197787 10 MG RxCUI 197782 20 MG RxCUI 197783
  13. Dose form (SCDF) Otic Solution RxCUI 372423 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 240749
  14. Dose form (SCDF) Rectal Cream RxCUI 377723 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 310868 25 MG/ML RxCUI 310879
  15. Dose form (SCDF) Rectal Foam RxCUI 376828 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 100 MG/ML RxCUI 1545172
  16. Dose form (SCDF) Rectal Ointment RxCUI 372418 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.01 MG/MG RxCUI 260192
  17. Dose form (SCDF) Rectal Suppository RxCUI 370645 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 25 MG RxCUI 1291082 acetate 30 MG RxCUI 1291085
  18. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Cream RxCUI 377712 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 10 MG/ML RxCUI 1043690 acetate 20 MG/ML RxCUI 251224 acetate 25 MG/ML RxCUI 1809843 acetate 5 MG/ML RxCUI 1250490 butyrate 1 MG/ML RxCUI 1370770 probutate 1 MG/ML RxCUI 1370746 valerate 2 MG/ML RxCUI 1370754 1 MG/ML RxCUI 106248 5 MG/ML RxCUI 198707 10 MG/ML RxCUI 106258 20 MG/ML RxCUI 2677688 25 MG/ML RxCUI 310891
  19. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Foam RxCUI 832710 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 10 MG/ML RxCUI 832711
  20. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Gel RxCUI 377961 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.01 MG/MG RxCUI 198706 0.02 MG/MG RxCUI 604449
  21. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Lotion RxCUI 377713 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 5 MG/ML RxCUI 1489372 butyrate 1 MG/ML RxCUI 1370763 5 MG/ML RxCUI 244492 10 MG/ML RxCUI 103403 20 MG/ML RxCUI 197784 25 MG/ML RxCUI 197785
  23. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Powder RxCUI 376507 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1 MG/MG RxCUI 310877
  24. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Solution RxCUI 370646 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) butyrate 1 MG/ML RxCUI 1370767 10 MG/ML RxCUI 310869 25 MG/ML RxCUI 197786
  25. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Spray RxCUI 377305 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG/ML RxCUI 310858 10 MG/ML RxCUI 317564
  26. Dose form (SCDF) Vaginal Cream RxCUI 1039348 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) acetate 10 MG/ML RxCUI 1039349 10 MG/ML RxCUI 1494032

Look up RxCUI 5492 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

🏷️ Sold under these brand names

Alkindi Sprinkle Cortef Cortril Cortenema Scalpicin Itch Relief Cortizone Vagisil Satin Aquanil HC Beta-HC Solu-Cortef Hemril Proctocort Anucort-HC Anusol HC Proctosol Kera-HC

🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

Bryant Ranch Prepack 75 Chattem, Inc. 50 A-S Medication Solutions 33 Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC 29 Trifecta Pharmaceuticals Usa Llc 27 NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. 26 CVS Pharmacy 18 Unifirst First Aid Corporation 17 Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. 17 Topco Associates LLC 15 Proficient Rx LP 15 Crown Laboratories 14 Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd 14 Walgreens 14 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. 14 Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 13 Safeway 12 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 12 Target Corporation 12 Strategic Sourcing Services LLC 12 Rite Aid Corporation 11 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 10 Orazen Inc 10 Opmx Llc 10

…and 16 more on the FDA NDC directory.

RxNorm drug class

Hydrocortisone belongs to the Corticosteroid class.

Pharmacologic class Corticosteroid
Drug family (ATC) Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II), Corticosteroids, potent (group III), Corticosteroids for local oral treatment
How it works Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

🔬 Where this comes from

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jun 5, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Hydrocortisone.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Hydrocortisone after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
491
NDC products indexed
1,390
Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
357
Linked representative label ⓘ
Oceanside Pharmaceuticals
Linked label effective
Jun 5, 2025
Composite sections available
24
Linked SPL Set ID
ddf699f4-1ae0-48c3-8d2a-56aa1a2c5bc1
Linked SPL Document ID
36d82d8e-8303-bf39-e063-6394a90a2fab
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How we combine label and product data

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 491 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

For canonical ingredient pages, bounded product-attributed indication and administration excerpts may be added to the AI evidence, and the generator is instructed to preserve available product, brand, route, and form qualifiers instead of treating one label as universal. Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Oceanside Pharmaceuticals is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.