hydrocortisone

American  

[hahy-druh-kawr-tuh-zohn, -sohn] / ˌhaɪ drəˈkɔr təˌzoʊn, -ˌsoʊn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a steroid hormone, C 21 H 30 O 5 , of the adrenal cortex, active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

2. Also called cortisol.  Pharmacology. a powerful anti-inflammatory drug, C 21 H 30 O 5 , used in the treatment of shock, allergies, certain forms of arthritis, and other conditions.

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hydrocortisone British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɔːtɪˌzəʊn /

noun

1. Also called: cortisol.  the principal glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex; 17-hydroxycorticosterone. The synthesized form is used mainly in treating rheumatic, allergic, and inflammatory disorders. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 5

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hydrocortisone Scientific  

/ hī′drə-kôr′tĭ-sōn′,-zōn′ /

1. A preparation of the hormone cortisol that is obtained naturally or produced synthetically and is used widely in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and allergies.

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Etymology

Origin of hydrocortisone

First recorded in 1950–55; hydro- ² + cortisone

Example Sentences

Unable to produce the stress hormone cortisol, Jorgie needed a higher dose of hydrocortisone if she was poorly.

From BBC

Although rare, these adrenal conditions require lifelong daily hydrocortisone replacement therapy.

From Science Daily

Antihistamines can help if bites are very itchy, while a mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone might be useful.

From BBC

You can use calamine lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce or alleviate the itch.

From Los Angeles Times

Look for a cream with hydrocortisone, a mild steroid that is typically used two times a day for two weeks.

From Washington Post