Cortef

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Cortef is a steroid tablet containing hydrocortisone, which is a glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, which are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Hydrocortisone USP a is white, ordorless, crystalline powder with a melting point of about 215 degrees Celsius. It is slightly soluble in water and in ether, and is sparingly soluble in acetone and alcohol. It is also slightly soluble in chloroform. The chemical name for hydrocortisone is pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione,11,17,21-trihydroxy-(11b)-. Its molecular weight is 362.46g/mol.

Cortef tablets are available for oral administration in three strengths: 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg of hydrocortisone. The inactive ingredients include calcium stearate, cornstarch, lactose, mineral oil, sorbic acid, and sucrose. Cortef is combination of naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties. Glucocorticoids are frequently used as replacement therapy in adrenocorical deficiency states. Their synthetic analogs are primarily used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Indications and Usage Cortef is used for the following:

1. Endocrine disorders

• Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency
• congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• nonsuppurative thyroiditis
• hypercalcemia associated with cancer

2. Rheumatic Disorders

• As adjunctive therapy for thort-term administration for:
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Acute and subacute bursitis
  • Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
  • Acute gouty arthritis
  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
  • Epicondylitis

3. Collagen Diseases

• During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of:
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Systemic dermatomyositis
  • Acute rheumatic carditis

Notes and references

• http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/uspi_cortef.pdf (pdf)
• http://www.drugs.com/cons/Cortef.html