Hydrocortisone acetate

Hydrocortisone acetate is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid and a corticosteroid ester.

The acetate group helps to protect the hydrocortisone molecule from being broken down by enzymes in the body (prolongs the duration of action of hydrocortisone) and allows it to be absorbed more easily.

Oral bioavailability

Hydrocortisone has a lower bioavailability than hydrocortisone acetate when taken orally, because hydrocortisone is rapidly metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys before reaching its target tissue. On the other hand, hydrocortisone acetate is more stable and less susceptible to metabolism, allowing a higher proportion of the drug to be absorbed and reach systemic circulation. Therefore, hydrocortisone acetate is often preferred for oral administration over hydrocortisone.

References

1. Hydrocortisone
2. List of corticosteroid esters
3. Topical steroid
4. Corticosteroid
5. Topical hydrocortisone
6. Fludrocortisone
7. Pimecrolimus
8. Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons
9. Hydrocortisone valerate
10. Anecortave acetate
11. Trenbolone acetate
12. Megestrol acetate
13. Prednisolone acetate
14. Hydrocortisone aceponate
15. Ulipristal acetate
16. Methylprednisolone acetate
17. Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate
18. List of corticosteroids
19. Cyproterone acetate
20. Medroxyprogesterone acetate