Hydrovex Special Precautions

Hydrocortisone Sodium succinate should only be given only with full knowledge of the characteristic activity of, and the varied responses to, adrenocortical hormones.
Because of its inhibitory effect on fibroplasias, hydrocortisone may mask the signs of infection and enhance dissemination of the infecting organism.
If possible, abrupt cessation of corticosteroid therapy should be avoided because of the danger of superimposed adrenocorticoid insufficiency on the infectious process.
Prolonged hormone therapy usually causes a reduction in the activity and size of the adrenal cortex. Relative adrenocortical insufficiency upon discontinuation of therapy may be avoided by gradual reduction of dosage.
However, a potentially critical degree of insufficiency may persist asymptomatically for some time even after gradual discontinuation of adrenocortical steroids. Therefore, if a patient is subjected to significant stress, such as surgery, trauma or severe illness while being treated or within one year (occasionally up to two years) after treatment has been terminated, hormone therapy should be augmented or reinstituted and continued for the duration of stress and immediately following it.
Use in pregnancy & lactation: During pregnancy the clinical benefit and possible risk of corticosteroid treatment should be considered.
Adverse effect is proven in animal experiments. Sufficient data is not available for a safe application in human pregnancy (possibility of cleft-palate formation and fetus growth retardation are low). Signs of hypo-adrenalism should be monitored in case of newborn whose mother has received corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy. In such case signs are observed, the appropriate treatment should be applied.
Corticosteroids delay growth during infancy, childhood and adolescence. Treatment should be applied for the shortest possible time and for the most severe indications only.