hydrocortisone

hydrocortisone hī˝drəkôr´tĭzōn˝ [key], 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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