26.03 Cortisone (Cortone)
Generic Name
Acetate
Trade Name
Cortone
Indication
Management of adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s Disease). Replace cortisol
in states of deficiency, suppress inflammation and normal immune response.
Action
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys.
The adrenal glands excrete steroid hormones, including cortisol that play a role in
increasing blood sugars, immune suppression, and metabolism of fat, protein, and
carbohydrates, as well as decreasing bone formation.
Therapeutic Class
Antiasthmatics, corticosteroids
Pharmacologic Class
Corticosteroids
Nursing Considerations
• Excreted by the liver – monitor liver profile
• Avoid in active untreated infections
• May cause CNS alterations
• May cause peptic ulcers
• May cause Cushingoid appearance (buffalo hump, moon face)
• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• Decrease wound healing
• May elevate blood sugars
• May increase cholesterol and lipid values
Jon Haws, BS, BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN 
Tarang Patel DNP-NA, RN, CCRN, RPh 
Nichole Weaver MSN/Ed, RN, CCRN 
Miriam Wahrman MSN/Ed, RNC-MNN 
Kara Tarr BSN, RN 
Nacole Riccaboni, MSN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CMC 