Cortenema

Generic name:hydrocortisone
Dosage form: rectal enema
Drug class:Glucocorticoids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 1, 2022.

Cortenema Description

Hydrocortisone is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder, very slightly soluble in water. It has the chemical name Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione,11,17,21-trihydroxy,(11β)-and the following structural formula:

Cortenema® is a convenient disposable single-dose hydrocortisone enema designed for ease of self-administration.

Each disposable unit (60 mL) contains: Hydrocortisone, 100 mg in an aqueous solution containing carbomer 934P, polysorbate 80, purified water, sodium hydroxide and methylparaben, 0.18% as a preservative.

Cortenema - Clinical Pharmacology

Hydrocortisone is a naturally occurring glucocorticoid (adrenal corticosteroid), similar to its acetate and sodium hemisuccinate derivatives, is partially absorbed following rectal administration. Absorption studies in ulcerative colitis patients have shown up to 50% absorption of hydrocortisone administered as Cortenema® and up to 30% of hydrocortisone acetate administered in an identical vehicle.

Cortenema® provides the potent anti-inflammatory effect of hydrocortisone. Because this drug is absorbed from the colon, it acts both topically and systemically. Although rectal hydrocortisone, used as recommended for Cortenema®, has a low incidence of reported adverse reactions, prolonged use presumably may cause systemic reactions associated with oral dosage forms.

Indications and Usage for Cortenema

Cortenema® is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, especially distal forms, including ulcerative proctitis, ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, and left-sided ulcerative colitis. It has proved useful also in some cases involving the transverse and ascending colons.

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections; and ileocolostomy during the immediate or early post-operative period.

Warnings

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