Corticosteroid Drug Class Flashcards
1
Q
What is a corticosteroid?
A
Used to reduce inflammation and lower immune response
2
Q
What are the 4 S’s of side effects
A
Sepsis
Sugar (high blood sugar)
Skinny muscles and bones
Sight (cataracts risk)
3
Q
What is the range of therapy days
A
No longer than 14 days
4
Q
What are some risks of long term therapy of corticosteroids
A
Immune compromised, osteoporosis, cataracts
5
Q
Hyper secretion of adrenal hormones leads to what disease
A
Cushings
6
Q
Hypo secretion leads to?
A
Addisons disease
7
Q
Long term use requires what action?
A
Tapering of doses gradually
8
Q
Administration
A
Give in morning and alternate days of therapy
9
Q
What foods should you avoid while taking corticosteroids
A
Alcohol, caffeine, NSAIDs like aspirin
10
Q
What needs to be reported immediately?
A
Rapid weight gain of more than 5 pounds a week
