After administering fluids, what is the treatment for acute adrenal crisis?

Administering hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenously is the standard treatment for an acute adrenal crisis. In cases of adrenal insufficiency, the body’s production of cortisol is inadequate, especially during periods of stress. Immediately replacing cortisol is crucial to manage the symptoms of adrenal crisis, which can include severe hypotension, confusion, and shock.

Hydrocortisone is the preferred glucocorticoid for this emergency situation because it acts quickly to restore the necessary levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. By administering it intravenously, the medication reaches the systemic circulation rapidly, allowing for a swift response to the crisis.

While dexamethasone is also a glucocorticoid, it is less commonly used in acute situations due to its longer half-life and different pharmacological profile. Fludrocortisone is primarily a mineralocorticoid and is not adequate on its own in the treatment of acute adrenal crisis, as it does not provide the necessary glucocorticoid support. Additionally, hydrocortisone 50 mg IM is not the first-line route for immediate intervention in an acute setting, where intravenous administration allows for quicker absorption and effect. Thus, hydrocortisone 100 mg IV is the correct and most