hydrocortisone

hydrocortisone

hydrocortisone (hīˌdrəkôrˈtĭzōnˌ), another name for the steroid hormone cortisol, more especially used to refer to preparations of this hormone used medicinally. Hydrocortisone, introduced in 1952, is more potent than cortisone with respect to medicinal metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. Like cortisone, it is used to treat Addison's disease, inflammatory and rheumatoid diseases, and allergies. Low-potency hydrocortisone, available over the counter, is used to treat skin irritations. See also corticosteroid drug; steroids.

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The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Hydrocortisone

 

(17-hydroxycorticosterone, cortisol), one of the glucocorticoids; a hormone formed in the adrenal cortex and predominantly regulating carbohydrate metabolism. The human adrenal glands secrete from 5 to 30 mg of hydrocortisone per day, although formation of hydrocortisone may increase five times under conditions of stress or upon introduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Hydrocortisone is used in medical practice as a hormonal preparation that exerts an anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect. Hydrocortisone (and hydrocortisone acetate in the form of a suspension) is prescribed for the treatment of rheumatism, bronchial asthma, leukemia, and endocrine and other diseases; it is used locally (most often in the form of a cream) for eczema, neurodermatitis, and eye diseases.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

hydrocortisone

[‚hī·drə′kȯrd·ə‚zōn]

(biochemistry)

C₂₁H₃₀O₅ The generic name for 17-hydroxycorticosterone; an adrenocortical steroid occurring naturally and prepared synthetically; its effects are similar to cortisone, but it is more active. Also known as cortisol.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.