Cortenema (Hydrocortisone 100mg/60ml) is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a disease caused by colon and rectum inflammation. The drug also treats inflammatory conditions like proctitis, ulcerative proctitis, and proctocolitis caused by radiation. The active ingredient in Cortenema is Hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling in the rectum and colon to decrease diarrhea and bloody stools. Cortenema is used in combination with other medications.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Cortenema from Canada manufactured by Axcan Pharma in the strength of 100mg/60ml/7 enemas (discontinued). The generic Hydrocortisone 100mg/60ml is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Cortenema. The most common side effects of Cortenema may include the following:
• Acne;
• Changes in menstrual periods;
• Pain in rectum;
• Trouble sleeping;
• Unusual weight gain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Puffy face;
• Rectal bleeding;
• Severe heartburn;
• Severe, persistent headache;
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
These are not all of the side effects of Cortenema. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Cortenema if you are allergic to Hydrocortisone or any ingredient in Cortenema. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have blood clotting problems;
• Have diabetes;
• Have eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts;
• Have fungal or tuberculosis infections;
• Have heart problems;
• Have liver disease;
• Have stomach or intestinal problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Cortenema and other medicines like warfarin, aldesleukin, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Hydrocortisone may pass into breast milk and may affect your baby. Use Cortenema precisely as prescribed by your doctor. This drug comes as an enema. Use one at night before bedtime. Your dose will depend on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Shake the bottle before use. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent towards your chest. Gently insert the applicator tip into the rectum. Gently and firmly squeeze the bottle so that all of the drug flows into the rectum. Remain lying on your side for at least 30 minutes. Keep the medicine inside your rectum for at least 1 hour and overnight if possible. It may take 3 to 5 days to notice an improvement. Do not stop using this drug without talking to your doctor. Your condition may become worse if you stop the medication suddenly. Cortenema may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that requires alertness until it is safe to do so. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. This drug may make you more likely to get an infection or worsen current infections. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may spread easily. Inform your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection. Store Cortenema at room temperature. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.