← All drugs
hydrocortisone
Modality
small molecule
Mechanism
The short-term effects of corticosteroids are decreased vasodilation and permeability of capillaries, as well as decreased leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation.[A187463] Corticosteroids binding to the glucocorticoid receptor mediates changes in gene expression that lead to multiple downstream effects over hours to days.[A187463]
Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination; they inhibit phospholipase A2, which decreases the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives; they inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors; they promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.[A187463]
Lower doses of corticosteroids provide an anti-inflammatory effect, while higher doses are immunosuppressive.[A187463] High doses of glucocorticoids for an extended period bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, raising sodium levels and decreasing potassium levels.[A187463]
Targets
Glucocorticoid receptor
Storage
—
Approved
atopic dermatitis — FDA · acne vulgaris — FDA
In trial
prurigo nodularis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata
Last verified
2026-04-23
lib/moa-data.ts for the shape; add an entry keyed by hydrocortisone.