Anti-inflammatory: Glucocorticoids

Question 1

What are the biological effects of Glucocorticoids? (8)

Answer 1

1. Decrease inflammation
2. Inhibit scar tissue formation
3. Suppresses the body’s immune system
4. Affect the cellular blood count
5. Increase gastric acid secretion and decrease mucous production in GI tract
6. Increase protein breakdown
7. Can induce parturition
8. Increase blood glucose levels

Question 2

What can an overdose of Glucocorticoids cause? (2)

Answer 2

1. disease

2. Cushing’s Disease

Question 3

When should you not use Glucocorticoids on eyes?

Answer 3

when they are physically injured

Question 4

How do Glucocorticoid products differ? (2)

Answer 4

1. duration of effect

2. dosage form available

Question 5

What are short-acting Glucocorticoids? Examples? (3)

Answer 5

1. Biologic effect lasts less than 12 hours
2. Hydrocortisone
3. Cortisone

Question 6

How long do intermediate-acting Glucocorticoids last? Examples? (5)

Answer 6

1. Effects lasts 12-36 hours
2. Prednisone
3. Prednisolone (the activated and effective form of prednisone)
4. Triamcinolone
5. Methylprednisolone

Question 7

How long do long-acting Glucocorticoids work? Examples? (4)

Answer 7

1. Effects last more than 48 hours
2. Dexamethasone
3. Betamethasone
4. Flumethasone

Question 8

When should you not use Glucocorticoids on an animal? (3)

Answer 8

1. pregnant animals
2. immunocompromised
3. animals already with Cushing’s disease

Question 9

What are the dosage forms of Glucocorticoids? (3)

Answer 9

1. topical application
2. oral
3. injectable

Question 10

What are the different parenteral formulations of Glucocorticoids? (3)

Answer 10

1. Aqueous Formulation
2. Alcohol Solutions
3. Suspensions

Question 11

What are Aqueous Formulations of Glucocorticoids? (2)

Answer 11

1. the glucocorticoid is combined with a salt and dissolved in water
2. can be given in large doses intravenously w/ less risk of an adverse reaction

Question 12

Examples of Aqueous Formulations of Glucocorticoids (2)

Answer 12

1. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Azium)

2. Prednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Delta Cortef)

Question 13

What are Alcohol Solutions of Glucocorticoids? (3)

Answer 13

1. Glucocorticoid is dissolved in alcohol
2. The label lists the glucocorticoid as the only active ingredient
3. Increased risk of an adverse reaction if given IV

Question 14

What are Suspensions of Glucocorticoids? (3)

Answer 14

the glucocorticoid is suspended in a liquid vehicle

• acetate
• Diacetate
• Pivalate
• Acetonide
• Valerate
  2. is absorbed gradually over a period of days
  3. NEVER administer IV

Question 15

How should Suspensions of Glucocorticoids be stored?

Answer 15

room temp

Question 16

What do you need to do before using Suspensions of Glucocorticoids?

Answer 16

shake it

Question 17

What are the examples of Suspensions of Glucocorticoids? (2)

Answer 17

1. Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol)

2. Triamcinolone acetonide (Vetalog)

Question 18

What are the guidelines for safe use of Glucocorticoids?(6)

Answer 18

1. Use another drug if it can accomplish the same result
2. Used the smallest dose possible
3. Avoid continuous use
4. Be cautious when using glucocorticoids with long-lasting effect
5. When discontinuing, reduce does over a period of time - Wean off
6. Use may be contraindicated in some patients