Hydrocortisone is used in adrenal crisis primarily because it provides both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity to correct cortisol deficiency and support electrolyte balance.

• A. It provides glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity
• B. It only treats inflammation
• C. It increases aldosterone production
• D. It has no mineralocorticoid effect

Answer: (A)

In adrenal crisis, you need both replacement of cortisol’s effects and support for mineralocorticoid-driven electrolyte and volume balance. Hydrocortisone provides that dual action: it acts as a glucocorticoid to replace the missing cortisol and also has meaningful mineralocorticoid activity to help promote sodium reabsorption, correct hyponatremia, and support blood pressure and fluid balance. This combination makes it especially effective in this emergency, more so than steroids that are strong anti-inflammatories but lack mineralocorticoid activity. Hydrocortisone does not increase aldosterone production; its mineralocorticoid effect comes from its own ability to activate the mineralocorticoid receptor, which helps stabilize electrolytes and circulation.