Hydrocortisone Rectal Enema

What is this medication?

HYDROCORTISONE (hye droe KOR ti sone) treats inflammatory bowel diseases. It works by decreasing inflammation. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colocort, Cortenema

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Any active infection
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• High blood pressure
• Immune system problems
• Previous heart attack
• Recent ileocolostomy
• Rectal obstruction, abscess, perforation or fistula
• Stomach or intestinal disease
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the rectum. Do not take by mouth. Wash hands before and after use. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Patient should lie on his/her left side, raise the right knee toward your chest. Gently insert the applicator tip into the rectum and press applicator tip to deliver the medication. Stay on your side for at least 30 minutes to let the medication work after the enema is given. Every effort should be made to retain the enema for at least an hour, and preferably all night. Do not use more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop using your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to use. If your care team wants you to stop using the medication, the amount that you use may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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 medication?

• 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
• Medications for Alzheimer's disease
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• NSAIDs, medications 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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Consult your care team 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 care team.

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

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

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

• General discomfort and fatigue
• Irritation at application site
• Rectal pain, burning, or bleeding after use

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 medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication 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.