Anti-inflammatory: Glucocorticoids Flashcards
What are the biological effects of Glucocorticoids? (8)
- Decrease inflammation
- Inhibit scar tissue formation
- Suppresses the body’s immune system
- Affect the cellular blood count
- Increase gastric acid secretion and decrease mucous production in GI tract
- Increase protein breakdown
- Can induce parturition
- Increase blood glucose levels
What can an overdose of Glucocorticoids cause? (2)
- disease
2. Cushing’s Disease
When should you not use Glucocorticoids on eyes?
when they are physically injured
How do Glucocorticoid products differ? (2)
- duration of effect
2. dosage form available
What are short-acting Glucocorticoids? Examples? (3)
- Biologic effect lasts less than 12 hours
- Hydrocortisone
- Cortisone
How long do intermediate-acting Glucocorticoids last? Examples? (5)
- Effects lasts 12-36 hours
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone (the activated and effective form of prednisone)
- Triamcinolone
- Methylprednisolone
How long do long-acting Glucocorticoids work? Examples? (4)
- Effects last more than 48 hours
- Dexamethasone
- Betamethasone
- Flumethasone
When should you not use Glucocorticoids on an animal? (3)
- pregnant animals
- immunocompromised
- animals already with Cushing’s disease
What are the dosage forms of Glucocorticoids? (3)
- topical application
- oral
- injectable
What are the different parenteral formulations of Glucocorticoids? (3)
- Aqueous Formulation
- Alcohol Solutions
- Suspensions
What are Aqueous Formulations of Glucocorticoids? (2)
- the glucocorticoid is combined with a salt and dissolved in water
- can be given in large doses intravenously w/ less risk of an adverse reaction
Examples of Aqueous Formulations of Glucocorticoids (2)
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Azium)
2. Prednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Delta Cortef)
What are Alcohol Solutions of Glucocorticoids? (3)
- Glucocorticoid is dissolved in alcohol
- The label lists the glucocorticoid as the only active ingredient
- Increased risk of an adverse reaction if given IV
What are Suspensions of Glucocorticoids? (3)
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
How should Suspensions of Glucocorticoids be stored?
room temp
What do you need to do before using Suspensions of Glucocorticoids?
shake it
What are the examples of Suspensions of Glucocorticoids? (2)
- Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol)
2. Triamcinolone acetonide (Vetalog)
What are the guidelines for safe use of Glucocorticoids?(6)
- Use another drug if it can accomplish the same result
- Used the smallest dose possible
- Avoid continuous use
- Be cautious when using glucocorticoids with long-lasting effect
- When discontinuing, reduce does over a period of time - Wean off
- Use may be contraindicated in some patients
