Hycortil Dosage/Direction for Use

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate for Injection may be administered by intravenous injection, intravenous infusion or by intramuscular injection, the preferred method for initial emergency use being intravenous injection. Following the initial emergency period, consideration should be given to employing a longer-acting injectable preparation or an oral preparation.
Dosage usually ranges from 100 to 500mg depending on the severity of the condition, administered by intravenous injection over a period of one to ten minutes. This dose may be repeated at intervals of 2, 4 or 6 hours as indicated by the patient's response and clinical condition. In general, high-dose corticosteroid therapy should be continued only until the patient's condition has stabilized-usually not beyond 48 to 72 hours. If hydrocortisone therapy must be continued beyond 48 to 72 hours hypernatremia may occur. Therefore, it may be preferable to replace Hydrocortisone sodium succinate for Injection with a such as methylprednisolone sodium succinate as little or no sodium retention occurs. Although adverse effects associated with high dose, short-term corticoid therapy are uncommon, peptic ulceration may occur. Prophylactic antacid therapy may be indicated. Patients subjected to severe stress following corticoid therapy should be observed closely for signs and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency. Corticosteroid therapy is an adjunct to and not a replacement for conventional therapy.
Elderly patients: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate for Injection is primarily used in acute short-term conditions. There is no information to suggest that a change in dosage is warranted in the elderly. However, treatment of elderly patients should be planned bearing
in mind the more serious consequences of the common side effects of corticosteroids in old age and close clinical supervision is required (see Precautions).
Children: While the dose may be reduced for infants and children, it is governed more by the severity of the condition and response of the patient than by age or body weight but should not be less than 25mg daily (see Precautions).