What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Dexamethasone | Hydrocortisone | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A steroid (corticosteroid) | A steroid (corticosteroid) |
| Used for | A l l ergic States: Control of severe or incapacitating a llergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, an… | • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves exter… |
| Children | In pediatric patients, the initial dose of dexamethasone may vary depending on the specific disease entity being treated. | Children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily. |
| Prescription (U.S.) | Yes | No (over the counter) |
| Common side effects | (listed alphabetica ll y, under each subsection) The following adverse reactions have been reported with dexamethasone or other corticosteroids: A ll ergic Reactions: Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Cardiovascular… | • condition worsens • rectal bleeding occurs • symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days, and do not begin use of any other hydrocortisone product unless you have asked a doctor |
| Pregnancy | Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which cortico… | Not on the label |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
The official labels mention them together: In addition, there have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin b and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Ask a pharmacist before combining them.
Check them togetherDexamethasone is a steroid (corticosteroid) and Hydrocortisone is a steroid (corticosteroid). Dexamethasone is used for: A l l ergic States: Control of severe or incapacitating a llergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, an… Hydrocortisone is used for: • temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: • eczema • psoriasis • poison ivy, oak, sumac • insect bites • detergents • jewelry • cosmetics • soaps • seborrheic dermatitis • temporarily relieves exter…
The official labels mention them together: In addition, there have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin b and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Ask a pharmacist before combining them.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.