Corticosteroids Flashcards
Give 3 examples of inhaled corticosteroids?
- Beclomethasone
- Budesonide
- Fluticasone
How can systemic corticosteroids be administered?
- IV
- Oral
Give 3 examples of systemic corticosteroids
- Prednisolone
- Dexamethasone
- Hydrocortisone
What is mechanism of action of steroids?
Reduce inflammation by causing up regulation of anti-inflammatory mediators
What effect do steroids have on the respiratory system
Dilates airway and reduces mucosal inflammation and mucus production
How do steroids exert their effects on the respiratory system?
Binding to steroid receptors and mimicing the action of cortisol
What are the potential routes of delivery of steroids?
- PO
- IV
- Inhaled/nebulised
- Topical application
What are the indications for the use of corticosteroids?
- Management of obstructive airway disease
- Exacerbation of asthma or COPD
- Anaphylaxis
- Suppression of inflammatory and allergic disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Nasal polyps
What mode of delivery is used when steroids are used in the management of obstructive airway disease?
Inhaled
What mode of delivery is used when steroids are used for exacerbation of asthma/COPD?
Systemic
What steroid is used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease?
IV hydrocortisone
What is the role of steroids in nasal polyps?
Steroid nasal sprays can help shrink nasal polyps
Can steroids be used in pregnancy?
Systemic steroids are contraindicated, but inhaled steroids can be taken as normal in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Why are systemic steroids contraindicated in pregnancy?
Risk of IUGR
What monitoring is required with systemic steroids?
BP measurement and blood glucose prior to treatment, and intermittently throughout treatment
Why should you monitor BP and BG during treatment for systemic steroids?
To monitor cardiovascular and metabolic effects of steroids
What drugs can steroids interact with?
- NSAIDs
- Anti-hypertensives
- Anti-diabetic drugs
- Warfarin
What happens when NSAIDs are taken with steroids?
Increased risk of peptic ulceration and bleeding
What happens when anti-hypertensives are taken with steroids?
Reduced hypotensive effect