What is the Difference Between Cortisone and Cortisol (Hydrocortisone)?

Cortisone and cortisol (hydrocortisone) are both corticosteroids, but they have different properties and uses. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Activation: Cortisone is an inactive prodrug that requires conversion in the liver to hydrocortisone, which is the active form. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic preparation of the steroid hormone cortisol.
2. Potency: Hydrocortisone has a relatively moderate anti-inflammatory potency, making it suitable for topical use with less marked side effects. Cortisone, on the other hand, is less potent because it needs to be converted into hydrocortisone in the liver before it can exert its anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Formulations: Hydrocortisone is available in various formulations, including oral tablets, topical creams, lotions, ointments, and rectal suppositories. Cortisone is only available as an oral tablet and is sometimes known by its brand name, Cortone.
4. Conditions treated: Both hydrocortisone and cortisone are mainly used to treat skin conditions, but hydrocortisone is more commonly prescribed for such purposes due to its moderate potency and availability in various formulations.
5. Glucocorticoid activity: Both cortisone and hydrocortisone have relatively high glucocorticoid activity, which can result in fluid retention. This makes them unsuitable for long-term use.

In summary, cortisone and hydrocortisone (cortisol) are both corticosteroids with different properties and uses. Cortisone is an inactive prodrug that needs to be converted into hydrocortisone in the liver, while hydrocortisone is a synthetic preparation of cortisol and is available in various formulations. Hydrocortisone is more commonly prescribed for treating skin conditions due to its moderate potency and availability in different formulations.

Comparative Table: Cortisone vs Cortisol (Hydrocortisone)

Cortisone and hydrocortisone, also known as cortisol, are both corticosteroids with some differences in their properties and uses. Here is a table comparing the two:

Cortisone and hydrocortisone both have relatively high glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activities, which makes them unsuitable for long-term use due to potential fluid retention. However, cortisone requires conversion in the liver to hydrocortisone before becoming active, whereas hydrocortisone is already in the active form. Hydrocortisone is also known to have moderate anti-inflammatory potency, making it useful as a topical treatment.