Dosage of cortisone in the treatment of acute hearing loss
The dosage of cortisone in the event of sudden deafness is very important for the success of the treatment. Recent studies have shown that low-dose cortisone treatment is not very effective. For this reason, a high dose of cortisone is usually used in sudden deafness.
This is a dose of 200-250 milligrams per injection. The treatment usually takes place within three to five days, with the above dose being administered intravenously (injected into a vein) every day. A cortisone schedule in tablet form (10 tablets) can then be taken.
This schedule has a descending structure, which means that the dose is reduced per tablet. The dose goes down from about 100 milligrams per day at the beginning to 50 milligrams on the last day. However, taking the tablets is not compulsory.
How expensive is cortisone therapy for sudden hearing loss?
The problem with cortisone therapy for sudden hearing loss is that the costs are currently not covered by health insurance. The treatment is a so-called “off-label-use”. This means that the drug was not originally intended to treat the disease.
The cost of the infusion is about 20 €. 3 ampoules, each containing 250mg prednisolone (cortisone), can be purchased for 50-60 €. If you still use the tablet scheme, you have to pay about 15 € additionally.
Cortisone and alcohol – is that compatible?
As with all substances, the quantity is very important. If very little alcohol is consumed during cortisone therapy in the event of sudden hearing loss, this is usually not a problem. If alcohol is consumed in large quantities, undesirable consequences can quickly arise.
In particular, the side effects of cortisone can be increased by the alcohol. Both alcohol and cortisol (the active form of cortisone) are broken down in the liver. Because the breakdown of alcohol requires certain enzymes, these enzymes can no longer be used to break down the cortisol.
Conversely, alcohol is also broken down more slowly, so that the effect of the alcohol lasts longer. In addition, damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach can occur more quickly, as both cortisone and alcohol damage the stomach mucous membrane. Finally, the electrolyte balance (minerals in the blood) is also affected, as above all the absorption of potassium into the bloodstream can be disturbed. A low concentration of potassium can have a negative effect on the function of the nerves and muscles.
Is it allowed to do sports while taking cortisone?
In principle, it is believed that sport and physical exercise actually reduce the side effects of cortisone. For this reason, the combination of sport and cortisone therapy is not problematic in itself. The question here is rather whether the patient who has suffered a hearing loss feels fit and safe enough to do sports.
