Identical to endogenous cortisol; binds glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, providing both anti-inflammatory and mineralocorticoid effects; used for physiologic replacement and shock
At a glance
Class
Short-acting glucocorticoid (endogenous cortisol equivalent)
Storage
Store below 25°C; reconstituted solution use within 3 days refrigerated
Dosing
Addisonian crisis / Shock / Acute adrenal insufficiency
Frequency
Once, then q4–6h as needed
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 1000 mg/day
Duration: Acute: 24–48h then transition to oral
Physiologic replacement (Addison's maintenance — oral)
Max dose
40 mg/dose; 80 mg/day
Duration: Long-term (prednisolone usually preferred)
Adrenal crisis / Shock
Frequency
Once, then as needed
Max dose
50 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: Acute; transition to oral prednisolone
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Polydipsia
Polyuria
Polyphagia
Serious
Iatrogenic Cushing's (chronic use)
GI ulceration
Immunosuppression
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium)Blood pressureBlood glucoseRenal values
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Hydrocortisone?
Hydrocortisone is a short-acting glucocorticoid (endogenous cortisol equivalent) used in pets. Identical to endogenous cortisol; binds glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, providing both anti-inflammatory and mineralocorticoid effects; used for physiologic replacement and shock
›What is Hydrocortisone used for in pets?
Hydrocortisone is used in veterinary medicine for: Addisonian crisis / Shock / Acute adrenal insufficiency; Physiologic replacement (Addison's maintenance — oral); Adrenal crisis / Shock.
›What is the Hydrocortisone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Hydrocortisone is typically dosed as follows — Addisonian crisis / Shock / Acute adrenal insufficiency: 1–5 mg/kg IV Once, then q4–6h as needed; Physiologic replacement (Addison's maintenance — oral): 0.5–2 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Hydrocortisone dose for cats?
For cats, Hydrocortisone is typically dosed as follows — Adrenal crisis / Shock: 1–5 mg/kg IV Once, then as needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone?
Common: Polydipsia, Polyuria, Polyphagia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Iatrogenic Cushing's (chronic use), GI ulceration, Immunosuppression.
›Does Hydrocortisone need a prescription?
Yes. Hydrocortisone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Hydrocortisone not be used?
Do not use Hydrocortisone if: Systemic fungal infections (unless treating adrenal crisis).
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 2
Each 1ml contains: Hydrocortisone Aceponate .......1.11mg Gentamicin Sulphate IP
M/s. Virbac Animal Health India · Approved 19.03.2019
For the treatment of acute otitis externa, and acute exacerbation of recurrent otitis externa associated with bacteria s
Hydrocortisone Aceponate 0.584 mg/ml cutaneous Spray solution vet
M/s Virbac Animal Healthcare Pharma India pvt ltd · Approved 06-01.2017
For symtomatic treatment of inflammatory and pruritic dermatosis in dogs
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database