Biocort Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of Action: It is an adrenocortical steroid influencing the carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism, electrolyte and water balance, functioning of cardiovascular system, kidney, skeletal muscles and nervous system. Acts by inhibiting release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) thereby, controlling the rate of protein synthesis. It stimulates formation of glucose, lessens its peripheral utilization and promotes storage as glycogen. It influences lipid metabolism by re-distribution of body fats, eliciting lipolysis of the triglycerides of adipose tissue, possesses salt-retaining property thereby, influencing electrolyte-water balance.
Pharmacokinetics: Hydrocortisone is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and peak blood concentrations are attained in about an hour. The biological half-life (t_½) is about 100 min. It is >90% bound to plasma proteins. Following IM injection, the absorption of the water-soluble sodium phosphate and sodium succinate esters is rapid, while the absorption of free alcohol and its lipid soluble esters is usually slower. Absorption of hydrocortisone acetate after intra-articular or soft tissue injection is also slow. Hydrocortisone is absorbed through the skin particularly on denuded areas.
Hydrocortisone is metabolized in the liver and most body tissues to hydrogenated and degraded forms eg, tetrahydrocortisone and tetrahydrocortisol. These are excreted in the urine, mainly conjugated as glucoronides together with a very small proportion of unchanged hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone readily crosses the placenta.