Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for unwanted effects.

If you use this medicine for a long time, do not suddenly stop using it without checking first with your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully.

The oral granules are contained within capsules. Do not swallow the capsule. Do not chew or crush the granules. Do not let the capsules get wet because some of the granules may stick to the capsule. Do not give the granules through a nasogastric or gastric tube because it may block the tube.

If you are switching from other oral hydrocortisone medicine to Alkindi® Sprinkle, your doctor may give you a starting dose of this medicine that is different from the previous oral hydrocortisone medicine that you have been taking.

Part of the oral granules may pass into your child's stool (bowel movement). This is normal and nothing to worry about.

To use the granules:

  • Your doctor will tell you how to prepare or give the dose to your child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
  • Take one capsule from the bottle.
  • Hold the capsule with the writing at the top. Tap the capsule to make sure the granules fall to the bottom.
  • Squeeze the bottom of the capsule gently to loosen the top of the capsule from the bottom.
  • Twist the top of the capsule carefully.
  • You may give the medicine with or without food onto a spoon or directly into the child's mouth. If you are taking this medicine with food, pour the granules onto a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft food (eg, yogurt, fruit puree).
  • Do not add the granules to a fluid because it may decrease the full dose and it may leave a bitter taste.
  • The medicine should be given and swallowed within 5 minutes to avoid bitter taste.
  • Give a sip of fluids like water, milk, breast-milk, or formula right away to make sure all granules are swallowed.
  • Call your doctor right away if the granules come back up into your child's mouth (regurgitation) or your child has vomiting after swallowing the granules. Your child may not receive the full dose of this medicine and another dose may be needed.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Dose depends on medical condition:
      • Adults—At first, 20 to 240 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (granules):
    • For adrenal problems:
      • Children—Dose is based on body surface area and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on the age and symptoms. Dose is usually 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) divided in 3 doses and given 3 times a day. Some patients may have their dose divided in 2 doses and given 2 times a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Use the oral granules within 60 days after opening the bottle.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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