Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Overview

Questions and Answers

What class does Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Cortef) belong to?

Adrenal glucocorticoid (correct)

Mineralocorticoid

Estrogen

Androgen

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

Anti-inflammatory; immunosuppressive with salt-retaining actions

What are the indications for Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

Shock due to acute adrenocortical insufficiency, anaphylaxis, asthma, and COPD

What are the contraindications for Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

Systemic fungal infections, premature infants, known hypersensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Common adverse effects (fx) of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate include ___ and fluid retention.

headache Signup and view all the answers

What are the drug interactions with Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

Incompatible with heparin and metaraminol Signup and view all the answers

What is the dosage and administration (D&A) for adults using Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

4 mg/kg slow IV bolus Signup and view all the answers

What is the dosage and administration (D&A) for pediatric patients using Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

2 mg/kg IV bolus, Max Dose: 100 mg Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of action for Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

Onset: 1 hr, Peak: variable, Duration: 8-12 hrs Signup and view all the answers

What considerations should be taken when administering Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate?

Maybe used in status asthmaticus as a second-line drug Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Cortef) Overview

Classified as an adrenal glucocorticoid, it serves various therapeutic roles in managing severe conditions.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Functions as an anti-inflammatory agent with immunosuppressive properties and promotes salt retention.

Indications for Use

Prescribed for shock stemming from acute adrenocortical insufficiency, anaphylaxis, asthma exacerbations, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Contraindications

Not suitable for patients with systemic fungal infections or known hypersensitivity;
Premature infants should avoid it due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, linked to "Fatal gasping syndrome" leading to CNS depression and metabolic acidosis.

Adverse Effects

Common side effects include headache, vertigo, hypertension, heart failure, fluid retention, nausea, and potential reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Drug Interactions

Known to be incompatible with anticoagulants like heparin and the vasopressor metaraminol.

Dosage and Administration for Adults

Administered as a slow intravenous (IV) bolus at a dosage of 4 mg/kg.

Dosage and Administration for Pediatric Patients

For children, the recommended IV bolus is 2 mg/kg, with a maximum dose of 100 mg.

Duration of Action

Onset of action occurs within 1 hour, with a variable peak effect and a duration of action lasting between 8 to 12 hours.

Additional Considerations

Can be utilized as a second-line treatment in cases of status asthmaticus, though caution is advised.

Description

This quiz provides an in-depth overview of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate (Solu-Cortef), covering its classification as an adrenal glucocorticoid and its therapeutic roles. It includes information on its mechanism of action, indications for use, contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Test your knowledge on this crucial medication used in severe conditions.