Hydrocortisone Stability in Human Feces

Hydrocortisone stability in human feces was studied under various conditions to determine whether stability accounts for the variable effects of hydrocortisone enemas. Recovery from feces and assay specificity were assured using dual isotopes, TLC separation, and liquid scintillation counting. Hydrocortisone degraded slightly from 7 to 26% in 24hr when incubated in fresh human feces at 37°. Less than 7% degradation occurred in feces stored at 10°, and negligible degradation occurred with hydrocortisone in water at 37°. Fecal bacteria may account for the observed degradation. Hydrocortisone stability in feces may contribute to local persistence and may account partly for its efficacy in ulcerative colitis treatment.