hydrocortisone
Synonyms: cortisol (KOR-ti-sol), cortisone (KOR-ti-zone)
Abbreviations: HC
Definition: (hi-dro-KORE-ti-sone) The name given to the steroid cortisol when used as a pharmaceutical (drug), applied to both the natural hormone (produced by the adrenal glands) and the same substance produced synthetically. When produced synthetically, it is a corticosteroid, used to relieve the symptoms of certain hormone shortages and to suppress an immune response. Often used in conjunction with high (and low) dose ketoconazole. See steroids.
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