Cortilon is used to treat certain medical conditions characterized by a defect in the production of adrenal hormones, the most prominent of which is Addison's disease, which results from the adrenal gland's inability to secrete the necessary hormones. The drug is used to compensate for the deficiency of aldosterone in the body, which is the hormone responsible for regulating sodium and potassium levels and maintaining normal blood pressure.
Cortilon is sometimes prescribed as part of a treatment plan for orthostatic hypotension syndrome, a disorder characterized by a drop in blood pressure when standing up suddenly. In this case, the drug works to increase blood volume and improve blood pressure to relieve symptoms that the patient suffers from, such as dizziness and fainting.