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Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate has the same metabolic and anti-inflammatory actions as Hydrocortisone. It is a glucocorticosteroid. Used in pharmacological doses, its actions suppress the clinical manifestations of disease in a wide range of disorders.
Pharmacokinetics: Hydrocortisone is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and peak blood concentrations are attained in about an hour. The biological half-life is about 100 minutes. It is more than 90% bound to plasma proteins. Following intramuscular injection, the absorption of the water-soluble sodium phosphate and sodium succinate esters is rapid, while absorption of Hydrocortisone free alcohol and its lipid-soluble esters is slower. Absorption of Hydrocortisone acetate after intra-articular or soft-tissue injection is also slow. Hydrocortisone is absorbed through the skin, particularly in denuded areas. Hydrocortisone is metabolised in the liver and most body tissues to hydrogenated and degraded forms such as tetrahydrocortisone and tetrahydrocortisol. These are excreted in the urine, mainly conjugated as glucuronides, together with a very small proportion of unchanged hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone readily crosses the placenta.
