Кортизон

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Кортизон

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Кортизон

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Cortisone Acetate
Form Tablets (Oral), Injection, Cream, Ointment
Pharmacological class Glucocorticoid (Adrenocortical Steroid)
General purpose Anti-inflammatory and Immunosuppressive effects
Origin Synthetic derivative (Prodrug)

Кортизон: Identity, Classification, and Origin

Кортизон (Cortisone) is a steroid medicine classified pharmacologically as a glucocorticoid, belonging to the class of adrenocortical steroids. It is a synthetic derivative of the body’s natural hormone, cortisol (hydrocortisone), which is produced by the adrenal glands.

The active substance in therapeutic preparations is Cortisone Acetate. This compound is categorized as a prodrug, meaning it must be converted by the liver into its active form, hydrocortisone, to exert its effects. Cortisone itself is biologically inactive until this conversion occurs in the liver. This metabolic conversion step is a differentiating feature of Cortisone, reflecting the drug’s reliance on the body's internal processes for activation.

Composition, Forms, and General Therapeutic Purpose

Кортизон is typically a single-ingredient product formulated into various pharmaceutical preparations for both systemic and localized administration. These forms include oral tablets, preparations for injection (intramuscular or intravenous), and topical preparations such as creams and ointments.

The chosen formulation determines the administration route and the scope of action. Oral and injectable forms deliver Cortisone Acetate for a systemic effect throughout the body. The general therapeutic purpose of utilizing this glucocorticoid is to provide anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. These properties are utilized in the management of conditions associated with inflammation or insufficient natural hormone production.

Regulatory References

  1. Corticosteroids - StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)
  2. Hydrocortisone - MeSH (NCBI)

What side effects are possible with Кортизон?

The official safety profile for cortisone is primarily organized by system-organ classes to detail its potential impact across various body systems.

Adverse Reactions and Clinically Significant Effects

Adverse reactions have been documented in official regulatory labeling for the following organ systems, with the incidence and severity of many effects explicitly linked to the dose and duration of therapy:

System-Organ Class Key Adverse Reactions (as documented)
Endocrine / Metabolic Fluid and salt retention, potassium loss, elevation in blood pressure, alterations in glucose tolerance, and development of a Cushingoid state (e.g., 'moon facies', redistribution of fat).
Musculoskeletal Osteoporosis, pathologic fractures, avascular necrosis, and muscle weakness.
Infections / Immune Increased susceptibility to new infection and increased risk of exacerbation or reactivation of latent infections (e.g., tuberculosis, viral diseases); may also mask signs of new infection.
Ophthalmic Posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves.
Psychiatric / Neurological Behavioral and mood disturbances, including euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations.

Exposure-Related Safety Patterns

The risk of certain serious effects, particularly Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis suppression (adrenal insufficiency), is explicitly related to prolonged use or high doses. This potential suppression may persist for months after the discontinuation of therapy, which is a key restriction noted in regulatory documents. Additionally, growth retardation is a documented risk for pediatric patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Safety Restrictions

Official labeling indicates that use may require particular caution in patients with certain pre-existing conditions, such as active or latent infections, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer disease, glaucoma, or osteoporosis, due to the risk of exacerbation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help: Official Regulatory Information

Overdosage with Cortisone Acetate is formally associated with serious high-dose manifestations, primarily affecting fluid balance, the nervous system, and the immune system. Documented overdose presentations often include fluid and electrolyte disturbances such as hypertension, salt and water retention, and hypokalemic alkalosis. Neuro-psychiatric effects are also noted in regulatory labeling, including psychic derangements and convulsions. High-dose or long-term exposure can lead to metabolic signs like hyperglycemia and the development of a Cushingoid state, alongside acute myopathy.

A crucial regulatory statement is the documented risk of severe and at times fatal infections, with infectious complications increasing with higher dosages. Immediate medical advice must be sought if fever or other signs of infection develop. Life-threatening outcomes associated with prolonged high-dose exposure include congestive heart failure and peptic ulcer with possible hemorrhage.

Management of Cortisone overdosage is restricted to symptomatic and supportive treatment, as no specific antidote is available. Procedures for acute oral overdose may involve dilution with fluids. Patients on long-term therapy must be monitored, and infants born to mothers who received substantial doses must be observed for hypoadrenalism.

Therapeutic Uses of Кортизон

What Кортизон treats: main uses and benefits

This section outlines the primary medical situations and symptomatic clusters where Cortisone is commonly applied to provide relief and symptomatic support. This class of medication is generally used to help with a wide array of conditions, primarily by assisting with symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states and systemic imbalance.

Кортизон is relevant in situations involving certain distressing symptoms across multiple therapeutic domains. It is commonly used for managing symptoms associated with intense discomfort and pain in joints and soft tissues, systemic autoimmune disorders, and severe allergic manifestations like severe asthma. Additionally, it is applied for managing conditions where functional stability becomes affected due to physiological imbalance.

“The application is relevant for easing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort.”

Symptom Management Context

Cortisone is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable. It provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, supporting general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of Hydrocortisone

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Profile for Cortisone Acetate

The official eligibility profile for Cortisone Acetate is defined by regulatory criteria that outline specific groups for whom use is prohibited or strictly restricted. This information is based solely on governmental regulatory documents.

Absolute Non-Eligibility

Use of Cortisone is contraindicated (strictly prohibited) for patients with an untreated systemic fungal infection or documented hypersensitivity to the drug. It is also contraindicated for patients receiving live or live attenuated vaccines while undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.


Restricted and Conditional Use

The medicine is reserved for conditional use in groups with specific health conditions due to the risk of complication or exacerbation. This includes individuals with active tuberculosis, peptic ulcer disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or congestive heart failure.

Caution is also required for patients with severe hepatic impairment (as Cortisone is a prodrug requiring liver activation) or severe renal impairment (due to the risk of fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance).

Age and Reproductive Status

  • Pediatrics: Use in infants and children is restricted and generally limited to replacement therapy due to the documented risk of growth retardation and adrenal suppression.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals is generally not recommended or is restricted to situations where the potential benefit officially outweighs the known risk to the fetus or infant, as the drug is known to pass into breast milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The interaction profile for Cortisone Acetate is formally documented by regulatory authorities, focusing on changes in metabolic clearance and increased pharmacodynamic risks.

Interaction Category Interacting Agents (Examples) Official Regulatory Outcome
Metabolic Clearance Hepatic Enzyme Inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Rifampin) Decreased Cortisone exposure due to increased metabolic clearance.
Metabolic Clearance Hepatic Enzyme Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Estrogens) Increased Cortisone exposure due to decreased metabolism.

Interaction-Related Restrictions and Timing Rules:

Co-administration with Live or Live, Attenuated Vaccines is formally contraindicated when Cortisone is administered at immunosuppressive doses.

A mandatory timing rule requires that Anticholinesterase agents be withdrawn for at least 24 hours before initiating Cortisone therapy in myasthenia gravis patients.

Pharmacodynamic interactions include an enhanced risk of hypokalemia when Cortisone is co-administered with Potassium-Depleting Diuretics or Amphotericin B. Pharmacodynamic antagonism is noted when used with Antidiabetic Drugs, which may diminish the glucose-lowering effect. Concomitant use with Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIAs) is associated with a heightened regulatory risk of gastrointestinal ulceration. Additionally, an enhanced Cortisone effect is noted in individuals with underlying conditions such as Hypothyroidism or Cirrhosis due to altered systemic metabolism.

Mechanism of Action

How Кортизон Works

The drug Кортизон (Cortisone) is a glucocorticoid whose primary mechanism involves binding to the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The activated complex translocates into the cell nucleus, functioning as a transcription factor that modulates the expression of numerous target genes. This action initiates or suppresses signaling sequences and modifies early molecular steps to shape systemic physiological outcomes.

Modulation of Inflammatory Pathways

The anti-inflammatory properties are mediated through transrepression, where the receptor complex inhibits pro-inflammatory transcription factors like NF-kappaB and AP-1, limiting the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. This mechanism contributes to the modulation of heightened physiological activity that involves high levels of mediator activity.

Metabolic and Homeostatic Regulation

Cortisone influences carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. It promotes gluconeogenesis (glucose synthesis) in the liver and influences the regulation of processes driven by distinct signaling patterns, resulting in changes to pathway activity levels.

Immune System Modulation

Its mechanism influences the function and trafficking of various immune cells, including T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and macrophages. It also decreases the production of key immune signaling molecules, such as cytokines, thereby modulating the activity of dysregulated immune processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Cortisone

The usage of Cortisone Acetate (Кортизон) is determined by established medical guidelines, focusing on administration route, dosage patterns, and required procedural context. This medication is available for systemic administration primarily through the oral tablet route, with common strengths being 5 mg, 10 mg, and 25 mg.


Official Dosing and Frequency

The dosage schedule is variable depending on the intended use. For physiologic replacement therapy in adults, the typical daily range is 25 mg to 35 mg. For initial anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive use, the dose can range broadly from 25 mg to 300 mg daily. Administration is generally scheduled either once daily or in divided doses to manage systemic effect.


Procedural Administration Rules

Instruction Domain Official Labeled Principle
Maintenance Goal Use the lowest possible dose required to maintain the desired usage pattern.
Dose Tapering Following prolonged or high-dose therapy, the dosage must be gradually reduced upon discontinuation.
Contextual Needs Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary with larger doses.
Concomitant Use Administration for certain infectious conditions must be concurrent with appropriate anti-infective agents.
Pediatric Dosing Calculated based on body weight (mg/kg) or body surface area (mg/m^2) and typically given in divided daily doses.

These principles define the standardized, label-based approach for using Cortisone Acetate in clinical practice, ensuring consistency with established clinical standards.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence Overview

Cortisone Acetate has been explored across two primary areas of research: its role as glucocorticoid replacement therapy and its use for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Evidence for Hormone Replacement

Research exploring the role of Cortisone Acetate in contexts of hormone deficiency, such as Adrenocortical Insufficiency, utilized long-term observational cohort studies and comparative Randomized Controlled Trials. These studies tracked measurements of hormonal biomarkers, metabolic profile metrics, and bone mineral density in both adult and child populations. Findings describe patterns related to the control of specific hormonal levels during the research period. However, research identifies challenges in replicating the body’s natural hormonal release rhythm, and large-scale, long-term comparative trials addressing cardiovascular health outcomes are limited.

Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Use

For its use in systemic inflammation (such as in severe autoimmune disorders) and localized inflammation (like certain joint injections), research has explored Randomized Controlled Trials and systematic reviews. The research measured findings related to physical discomfort, joint function, and daily functioning. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, noting that effects following localized injections were frequently described as transient, with limited data available for long-term outcomes past six months.

Research Gaps and Limitations

Across the evidence base, limitations exist. For many systemic uses, variability across older studies has resulted in inconsistent findings due to the trials' heterogeneity. Long-term data specific to Cortisone Acetate for chronic disease management is generally limited. The evidence contributes to the understanding of symptom patterns but shows that research is ongoing to fully understand all potential outcomes across a wider range of individuals, including pregnant populations.

Key Studies & References CORTISONE ACETATE tablet (Official Drug Label and Prescribing Information)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Кортизон (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between Cortisone and Prednisolone?

Official pharmacological summaries indicate key differences in potency and duration of action. Cortisone Acetate is described as a short-acting glucocorticoid with a relative potency of 0.8 compared to hydrocortisone. In contrast, Prednisolone is classified as an intermediate-acting glucocorticoid with a significantly higher relative potency of 4.0.

Q: How soon can the effects of Cortisone be expected after starting treatment?

According to authoritative medical summaries, the onset of effect depends on the method of administration. For oral tablets, the effects typically begin to be noticed within a few hours. For injectable forms, the onset is generally faster, often occurring within 30 minutes to an hour.

Q: Is there a risk of dependence or addiction associated with Cortisone?

Official regulatory documents do not describe the medication as addictive or habit-forming in the traditional sense. However, prolonged use can suppress the body's natural hormone production (known as HPA axis suppression). Because of this physiological change, gradual reduction of the dosage is typically required when stopping therapy.

Q: How does Cortisone interact with alcohol?

Official warnings for related corticosteroids, such as Hydrocortisone Acetate (the active form of Cortisone), note that combining the two may present a risk of stomach irritation and related gastrointestinal side effects. This information is based on documented pharmacodynamic concerns.

Q: Is Cortisone safe for use in the elderly?

Official sources note that elderly patients are generally more susceptible to complications associated with corticosteroids. For this reason, the official practice involves cautious dose selection, often starting at the lowest possible dose, due to age-related physiological changes and existing medical conditions.

Q: What is the best time of day to take Cortisone?

The administration pattern documented in official guidelines often involves taking the full single daily dose in the morning, typically before 9 am. This timing is suggested to align with the body’s natural cortisol rhythm and help reduce the risk of adrenal suppression that can occur with long-term use.

Q: What should be done if a dose of Cortisone is missed?

General instructions for related corticosteroids indicate that if a dose is missed, the practice noted is to take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Doubling the next dose to compensate for the missed one is generally not recommended.

Q: Is it necessary to take Cortisone at the exact same time every day?

Maintaining consistent medication levels is supported by taking doses at around the same times every day. This is especially important when taking a single morning dose to mimic the body's natural hormone rhythm.

Q: Does Cortisone affect the ability to drive a car?

Official information for corticosteroids notes that side effects such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances can occur. Official warnings state that the presence of such symptoms may preclude driving or operating machinery until the person's vision has fully cleared.

Q: Is fatigue a common feeling when starting Cortisone treatment?

While not explicitly listed for Cortisone Acetate in all official labels, a related side effect, unusual tiredness or weakness, is sometimes noted in the adverse reaction profiles for other corticosteroids. These effects are typically classified as less common or rare.

Q: What types of inflammation can Cortisone treat?

The medicine is officially indicated for the management of various inflammatory conditions. These include severe allergic states like bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, certain skin conditions such as dermatitis, and rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

Q: How long does Cortisone remain active in the body after stopping use?

Cortisone Acetate is pharmacologically classified as a short-acting glucocorticoid. Its duration of action is typically noted to be between 8 and 12 hours.

Q: Is weight gain a frequent expectation when using Cortisone?

Official documentation for corticosteroids notes the potential for fluid and salt retention and changes in fat distribution (e.g., Cushingoid state). These physiological changes can lead to weight gain, and the risk generally increases with higher doses and longer duration of treatment.

Q: Are there specific foods or drinks that should be avoided while taking Cortisone?

For patients taking larger doses, official prescribing information notes that specialized needs like dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. Taking the medication with food is a common practice intended to help minimize potential stomach irritation.

Q: What is the typical duration of Cortisone treatment for chronic diseases?

Official dosing guidelines indicate that the duration of treatment with Cortisone Acetate is highly variable. It is determined by the specific chronic condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and the individual patient's response to therapy.

Q: What is 'withdrawal syndrome' and is it related to Cortisone?

The patient term 'withdrawal syndrome' relates to the serious side effect of adrenocortical insufficiency. This occurs because the body’s natural cortisol production is suppressed after prolonged use. Official procedures indicate that gradual reduction of the dosage is necessary when the medication is stopped.

Q: Can Cortisone be used to treat an acute allergic reaction?

Cortisone is officially indicated for the management of severe allergic states. These labeled uses include conditions such as drug hypersensitivity reactions and serum sickness.

How should Кортизон be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cortisone Acetate Tablets

Cortisone acetate tablets must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature (20 C to 25 C), with excursions permitted between 15 C and 30 C. Storage is required to be away from excessive heat and moisture; therefore, do not store it in the bathroom. The medicine must be kept in the container it came in and kept tightly closed to protect it.

Child Safety and Disposal

It is mandatory to store the medication out of the sight and reach of children. For disposal, the unused product should not be flushed down the toilet or sink. The preferred method is a drug take-back program. If this is unavailable, mix the tablets with an undesirable substance (e.g., used coffee grounds) and place the mixture in a sealed container before discarding it in the household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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