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
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
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).
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
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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