See the DrugPatentWatch profile for hydrocortisone
What other names does hydrocortisone go by?
Hydrocortisone is also sold or referenced under these names:
- Hydrocortisone (generic name; sometimes written as “hydrocortisone” or “hydrocortisone sodium” depending on the salt/form)
- Hydrocortisone sodium (used for some injectable/topical formulations)
- Hydrocortisone acetate (commonly used in some topical products)
- Hydrocortisone butyrate (commonly used in some topical products)
- Cortef (brand name in the U.S. for hydrocortisone tablets) [1]
Does hydrocortisone have different names by formulation (cream, ointment, injection)?
Yes. The “other name” often depends on the chemical form listed on the label, such as:
- Hydrocortisone acetate (often appears on certain topical preparations)
- Hydrocortisone butyrate (often appears on certain topical preparations)
- Hydrocortisone sodium (commonly appears for injectable formulations) [2]
What’s the difference between hydrocortisone and its salts/esters (e.g., sodium, acetate, butyrate)?
Hydrocortisone is the active drug, and the suffix (sodium, acetate, butyrate) refers to the specific chemical form used in that product. Those forms can affect things like how the medicine is delivered and how it’s absorbed, but the underlying steroid active ingredient is hydrocortisone [2].
Common brand names besides Cortef
Cortef is one well-known U.S. brand name for oral hydrocortisone. Other brand names exist by country and formulation, and the label will usually include the generic drug name (hydrocortisone) plus the specific form (sodium, acetate, or butyrate) [1][2].
Sources
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/hydrocortisone.html
- https://www.drugs.com/ingredient/hydrocortisone.html