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Product Name: Hydrocortisone
Chemical Formula: C21H30O5
Synonyms: Cortisol, 11β,17α,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione
CAS Number: 50-23-7
Manufacturer: Provided on packaging or upon request
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical corticosteroid, laboratory use
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center, local emergency services
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards but poses risks through inhalation, ingestion, and prolonged skin contact
Potential Health Effects: May cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, possible allergic reactions or suppression of immune response with overexposure, and disruption of endocrine system if mishandled
Environmental Impact: Long-term harm to aquatic environments, persistence in soil
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use personal protection, prevent release to environment, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Chemical Name: Hydrocortisone
Concentration: 98% or greater (depending on supplier)
Impurities: Typically less than 2%, detail available from batch certificate
Additives or Excipients: None for pure substance, refer to product label for formulated products
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air, seek medical help for persistent cough or respiratory distress
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, monitor for irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean water for 10-15 minutes, seek ophthalmologic evaluation for ongoing irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, obtain medical attention if large amounts swallowed or adverse symptoms occur
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, itching, allergic response, possible systemic corticosteroid effects on extended exposure
Medical Attention: Symptomatic treatment, monitor vital signs
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread material
Special Hazards: Material can decompose to form carbon oxides and toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Employ standard procedural safety, remain upwind, avoid inhalation of combustion products
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective clothing, avoid dust formation, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to waterways or sewage
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up carefully, place in clearly labeled chemical waste container, avoid creating airborne dust, dispose in accordance with local regulations
Decontamination: Wash surfaces with soap and water after removal
Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated locations, wear protective gloves, avoid splashing or dispersing powder, handle with care
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protect from light
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Special Precautions: Store away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials, segregate from general population drugs
Workplace Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH limits established; handle as hazardous chemical
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, maintain low airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Lab coat or coveralls, nitrile gloves, chemical safety goggles, mask or respirator in cases of dust formation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 215-220°C
Boiling Point: Not available
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol and chloroform
pH: Not applicable as solid
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: About 1.28 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: log P (octanol/water): 1.6
Other Properties: Stable under normal conditions, no explosive or oxidizing properties reported
Chemical Stability: Maintains stability under recommended storage conditions
Potentially Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, alkalis, or oxidizers to form unknown products
Conditions to Avoid: Direct sunlight, elevated humidity, excessive heat
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes if heated strongly
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): >4000 mg/kg; generally low risk for acute exposure in small quantities
Chronic Effects: Prolonged use may cause suppression of adrenal glands, thinning of skin, immune effects
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Studies suggest possible effects at high dosages or chronic exposure
Sensitization: Cases of contact allergy and dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals
Other Information: Systemic effects can appear after repeated exposure; recommend medical supervision in occupational settings
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Evidence shows adverse effects on fish and aquatic microorganisms at elevated concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, may persist in sediments and water
Bioaccumulation: Limited potential; some accumulation in aquatic organisms noted
Mobility in Soil: Low volatility, moderate soil binding, possible groundwater infiltration with long-term release
Other Harmful Effects: Chronic contamination may disrupt aquatic ecosystems, potential to impact non-target species
Waste Handling: Collect unused material and contaminated containers in appropriately labeled hazardous waste containers
Disposal Methods: Dispose via authorized hazardous waste provider, incineration preferred if allowed by local authorities
Special Notes: Do not flush to surface water or sewage, avoid bulk disposal in landfill
Container Handling: Triple-rinse containers, destroy in accordance with local and national regulations
UN Number: Not assigned for hydrocortisone in small, clinical quantities
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods for road, sea, or air transport for most shipments
Packing Group: Not classified
Labeling: Use original labels, indicate pharmaceutical/chemical use
Other Requirements: Secure packaging, protect from physical damage during transit, comply with carrier standards and country-specific rules
Global Inventories: Listed in chemical inventories of major regions including United States (TSCA), Canada (DSL), Europe (EINECS), Australia (AICS)
Workplace Regulations: Controlled under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, handle using standard laboratory safety rules
Pharmaceutical Controls: Subject to FDA and EMA directives for drug use and labeling
Environmental Regulations: Subject to local laws on pharmaceutical and chemical waste, Clean Water Act considerations in some jurisdictions
Other Notable Laws: Notification requirements for workplace exposure or environmental release
