Abstract

Two preparations of hydrocortisone are available for intravenous injection: hydrocortisone sodium succinate BNF (unbranded - Organon; Efcortelan - Glaxo; Solu-Cortef - Upjohn) and hydrocortisone sodium phosphate (Efcortesol - Glaxo). The succinate is supplied as the freeze-dried substance, to be dissolved in water for injection; the phosphate comes as a solution, and is thus more convenient for the doctor, but it commonly causes unpleasant effects. Is the phosphate nevertheless worth using?