This steroid is closely allied to CORTISONE both in its structure and in its action. Available in tablet, topical or injection form, hydrocortisone is used in adrenocortical insufficiency, for the suppression of local and systemic inflammatory and allergic disorders, and in the treatment of SHOCK. Its mineralocorticoid effects – control of salt and water balance – mean that the drug should not be used long term, except as replacement therapy in the treatment of ADDISON'S DISEASE or following adrenalectomy, when hydrocortisone is often given with the mineral corticoid fludrocortisone (see ADRENAL GLANDS and CORTICOSTEROIDS).