Generic Name: hydrocortisone rectal

What is this medicine?

HYDROCORTISONE (hye droe KOR ti sone) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by ulcerative proctitis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any active infection
• decreased immune function
• diabetes
• glaucoma or cataracts
• high blood pressure
• previous heart attack
• rectal obstruction, abscess, perforation or fistula
• stomach or intestinal disease
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the rectum. Do not take by mouth. Wash hands before and after use. Shake the container well. Use the special applicator. Do not insert any part of the aerosol container in the rectum. Hold canister upright and insert into the opening of the tip of the applicator. Make sure the applicator plunger is drawn all the way out. Fill the applicator by pressing down slowly on the canister cap. When the foam reaches the fill line in the applicator, it is ready for use. Remove the applicator from the container, let some foam remain on the applicator tip. Hold the barrel of the applicator and insert the tip into the rectum. Push the plunger in to expel the foam into the rectum. Withdraw the applicator. Thoroughly clean the applicator with warm water. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop using your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. If your doctor wants you to stop using the medicine, the amount that you use may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• aminoglutethimide
• amphotericin B
• aspirin
• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• carbamazepine
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin
• cholestyramine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• medicines for Alzheimer's disease
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• toxoids and vaccines
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Consult your doctor or health care professional you do not start to get better after several days of use. Do not use if there is blood in your stools. Report rectal bleeding, pain, burning, itching, blistering, or any other sign of irritation to your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection
• mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self-importance, mistaken feelings of being mistreated
• muscle cramps or muscle weakness
• nausea
• rectal pain, burning or bleeding after use of medicine
• skin problems, acne
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• thinning of the skin
• unusual bruising or red pinpoint spots on the skin
• unusually weak or tired
• weight gain
• wounds that will not heal

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• increased appetite
• increased sweating
• menstrual problems

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.