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Cortifoam (foam, enema)

Generic name: hydrocortisone rectal (foam, enema)hye-dro-KORT-i-zone-REK-tal ]
Brand names: Cortenema, Cortifoam
Drug class: Glucocorticoids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 11, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Cortifoam?

Cortifoam (foam or enema) is a steroid medicine that is used with other medicines to treat ulcerative colitis and its effects on the lower intestines and rectal area.

Cortifoam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cortifoam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cortifoam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Cortifoam may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cortifoam if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use Cortifoam?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Use this medicine in the smallest amount and for the shortest time needed to treat your condition.

Do not take by mouth. Rectal medicine is for use only on your rectum.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder before using rectal medicine.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Use only the applicator provided with this medicine to insert it into your rectum.

Do not insert the applicator tip too deeply or you could damage your rectum.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your dose needs may change during times of illness or unusual stress. Do not change your dose or stop using Cortifoam without your doctor's instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate.

The rectal foam is flammable. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty foam canister.

prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, budesonide, mesalamine, Remicade, Lialda, Pentasa, Cortef, Asacol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

High doses or long-term use of steroid medicine can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Cortifoam?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Cortifoam. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.

What other drugs will affect Cortifoam?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect Cortifoam. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Does Cortifoam interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

What does hydrocortisone cream do to eczema?

Hydrocortisone blocks substances in the skin that cause itching and inflammation. It may be recommended by your doctor as part of a treatment plan to manage eczema.

Does hydrocortisone lower your immune system?

Yes. Hydrocortisone suppresses, or lowers, your immune system. This means that if you take hydrocortisone, you may be more likely to get infections than a person who is not taking it.

Is hydrocortisone a strong steroid?

Steroids are classified by their potency as short-, medium- or long-acting. Hydrocortisone is a short-acting steroid. It’s less potent than other steroids like prednisone and methylprednisolone, which are intermediate-acting. All steroids come with risks and may cause side effects. Hydrocortisone tablets come in three strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. The strength your doctor prescribes depends on what condition is being treated and how your body responds.

How long does hydrocortisone take to work?

Hydrocortisone starts working about 30 minutes after you take a dose. That means the concentration of hydrocortisone in your system will be highest 30 minutes after you take a tablet. The length of time you will need to take hydrocortisone will depend on what condition is being treated.

Can you use hydrocortisone cream for vulvar itching?

Hydrocortisone cream may be used to treat vulvar itching, but only if recommended by your doctor. When used over the counter, topical steroid products like hydrocortisone should be applied on external areas of the body only. Continue reading

Can I use hydrocortisone cream on shingles rash?

Hydrocortisone cream is not recommended to put on a shingles rash and there is no evidence that hydrocortisone cream will help treat the pain of a shingles rash. The preferred treatment for shingles are antiviral medicines that you take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. Continue reading

What are steroid injections (cortisone shots)?

Steroid injections (corticosteroid injections/cortisone shots) are injections given by a healthcare professional directly into joints or other areas of the body to relieve symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or restricted movement. They are commonly used to treat shoulder and other joint pain, tendonitis, bursitis, back pain, or arthritis or to manage conditions such as sciatica, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Examples include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.