Hydrocortisone rectal aerosol foam
Hydrocortisone rectal aerosol foam
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018