Hydrocortisone belongs to which class of medications?

Hydrocortisone is classified as a corticosteroid, which is a type of steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response in various medical conditions. They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as allergies, skin disorders, and autoimmune diseases, as well as for inflammatory conditions like arthritis or colitis. By mimicking the hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands, corticosteroids like hydrocortisone effectively manage inflammation and help maintain normal physiological functions.

In the context of the other options, antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders, analgesics are used to relieve pain, and antihypertensives are prescribed to manage high blood pressure. Thus, hydrocortisone's role as an anti-inflammatory medication distinctly aligns it with the corticosteroid classification.