Generic name: Hydrocortisone Enema [ hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone ]
Brand names: Colocort, Cortenema
Drug class: Glucocorticoids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 10, 2024.

Uses of Hydrocortisone Enema:

• It is used to treat ulcerative colitis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Hydrocortisone Enema?

• If you have an allergy to hydrocortisone or any other part of hydrocortisone enema.
• If you are allergic to hydrocortisone enema; any part of hydrocortisone enema; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take hydrocortisone enema with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Hydrocortisone Enema?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take hydrocortisone enema. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Some products may not be for use in the diaper area. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
• Use care when putting on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If hydrocortisone enema is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not use hydrocortisone enema for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Hydrocortisone Enema) best taken?

Use hydrocortisone enema as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• This medicine is for rectal use only. Do not take hydrocortisone enema by mouth.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Shake well before use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a very bad upset stomach or throwing up, very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, not hungry, or weight loss.
• Signs of Cushing's disease like weight gain in the upper back or belly, moon face, very bad headache, or slow healing.
• Change in eyesight.
• Very bad headache.
• Irritation where hydrocortisone enema is used.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Hydrocortisone Enema?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stinging.
• Dryness.
• Burning.
• Tingling.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Hydrocortisone Enema?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about hydrocortisone enema, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer