Cortenema (Hydrocortisone Enema)

Description

Indications

Hydrocortisone enema is employed to address the symptoms of a specific intestinal issue known as ulcerative colitis. While it does not serve as a cure for this condition, hydrocortisone enemas are typically used in conjunction with other treatments to effectively manage the symptoms. Belonging to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, hydrocortisone enemas play a role in reducing inflammation in the rectum and colon. This anti-inflammatory action aids in diminishing diarrhea and bloody stools.

Uses and Dosage

Follow your doctor’s instructions and use this product in the rectum once nightly before bedtime. The typical treatment duration ranges from 2 to 3 weeks or until symptoms subside into remission.

In certain cases, achieving remission may take up to 2 or 3 months. The dosage and treatment duration are determined by your medical condition and response to the treatment.

For optimal results, administer the enema after a bowel movement. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent toward the chest. Gently insert the applicator tip into the rectum. Squeeze the bottle gently but firmly to ensure the complete delivery of the medication into the rectum. Stay lying on your left side for at least 30 minutes. Retain the medicine in your rectum for at least 1 hour, and ideally overnight.

Consistently use this medication as prescribed to derive the maximum benefit. Improvement may be noticeable within 3 to 5 days.

Avoid using more of this product than prescribed, using it more frequently, or extending the duration of use beyond the prescription. Doing so will not expedite your recovery, and it may increase the risk of side effects. If you have been using this medication for an extended period (more than 3 weeks), do not discontinue its use without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping the drug may worsen certain conditions. Your doctor may recommend a gradual decrease in dosage.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• headache
• dizziness
• local pain or burning
• muscle weakness
• extreme changes in mood changes in personality
• inappropriate happiness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• slowed healing of cuts and bruises
• irregular or absent menstrual periods
• thin, fragile, or dry skin
• acne
• increased sweating
• changes in the way fat is spread around the body

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• bleeding
• vision changes
• depression
• rash
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Caution

• Before using hydrocortisone, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
• Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have other stomach/intestinal problems, infections, certain eye conditions, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, bone loss (osteoporosis), bleeding or blood clotting problems, mental/mood conditions, low potassium or calcium blood levels, or a certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis).
• This drug may cause dizziness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Avoid activities that require alertness until you can do them safely. To reduce the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding, limit alcoholic beverages.
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications may make it more challenging for your body to respond to physical stress.
• Before undergoing surgery or emergency treatment or if you develop a serious illness/injury, inform your doctor or dentist about your use of this medication within the past 12 months. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you anticipate using this medication for an extended period, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet indicating your use of this medication.
• Inform your healthcare professional about your use of hydrocortisone before undergoing immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines (such as the flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
• This drug may increase your susceptibility to infections or worsen existing infections. Steer clear of individuals with infections that may easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu. Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or need more details.
• For individuals with diabetes, this drug may affect blood sugar levels. Regularly check your blood sugar as directed and share the results with your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
• Extended use of this medication in children may slow down growth. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. Regularly check with the doctor to monitor your child’s height and growth.
• During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed and not for prolonged periods. Other forms of hydrocortisone (given orally or by injection) may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Infants born to mothers using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of the natural corticosteroid hormone in their bodies and may require more monitoring. Notify your doctor immediately if you observe symptoms such as vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
• It is unclear if this drug passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Cortenema is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Cortenema enema:
  • 100 mg

FAQ

Can Cortenema be taken by mouth instead of rectally?

No. While some forms of hydrocortisone can be taken by mouth, Cortenema is for rectal use only.

When should I begin to feel better after starting Cortenema?

Your symptoms should get better after 3 to 5 days. Depending on how severe your condition is, you might need to take Cortenema for 2 or 3 months.

Resources

1. https://www.goodrx.com/hydrocortisone-enema/what-is#faqs
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/corticosteroid-rectal-route/proper-use/drg-20070430
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7131/cortenema-rectal/details
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617001.html
5. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cortenema-foam-enema.html