ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/hydrocortisone-oral
US brand names:Cortef
Hydrocortisone Oral is dosed at 0.4–0.8 mg/kg PO q12-24h (once to twice daily) in dogs, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023), Hydrocortisone monograph, Dosages - DOGS/CATS (printed p.616). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Identical to endogenous cortisol. Binds glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, providing physiologic replacement in adrenal insufficiency.
Shortest-acting oral corticosteroid — may need 2-3 daily doses. Used for Addison's disease replacement. Both gluco- and mineralocorticoid effects.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.4–0.8 mg/kg | q12-24h (once to twice daily) | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023), Hydrocortisone monograph, Dosages - DOGS/CATS (printed p.616)Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.125 mg/kg | q12h | Weak | Glebocka MJ, Boag A. Hypoadrenocorticism in cats: a 40-year update. J Feline Med Surg. 2024. doi:10.1177/1098612X241248381. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11437538/ |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.