Anti-inflammatory Glucocorticoids

Question 1

Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef)

Answer 1

Cortisol (converted from cortisone)
Low potency (20mg oral dose) can be topical
GC and MC actions
common in physiologic doses for replacement therapy and emergencies
short to medium acting

Question 2

Prednisone

Answer 2

Converts to Prednisolone 
Oral only! must be converted by liver 11beta-HSD1 (must undergo first pass)
used for steroid burst therapy 
GC and MC action (13:1)
short to medium acting

Question 3

Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Answer 3

used for steroid burst therapy (asthma)
as effective as oral prednisone
minimal MC
short to medium acting

Question 4

Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Answer 4

Most potent anti-inflammatory agent
used in cerebral edema and chemotherapy induced vomiting
NO MC
greatest suppression of ACTH secretion at the pituitary
can be topical
Long acting

Question 5

Triamcinolone (Kenalog)

Answer 5

potent systemic agent
excellent topical activity
NO MC action
intermediate-acting

Question 6

Fludrocortisone (Florinef)

Answer 6

Mineralocorticoid
not topical
High salt retention