Corticosteroids Flashcards
How potent of an anti-inflammatory is the corticosteroid drug class
They are the most potent of our anti-inflammatory drugs
As a corticosteroid has greater the anti-inflammatory effect, what happens to the mineralocorticoid effect
The less the mineralocorticoid effect, and vice versa
What is tachyphylaxis
A rapid decrease in response to a drug over a relatively short period of time (a week or two). Seen commonly with topical corticosteroids
What is the order of steroid duration of action, from short to longest
hydrocortisone - 8-12 hours
Prednisone - 18-36 hours
dexamethasone, betamethasone - 24-72+ hours
Why must corticosteroids be tapered off
Abrupt withdrawal can lead to exacerbation of the underlying disease as well acute adrenal insufficiency syndrome aka Addisonian crisis which can be a lethal event
What are signs of addisonian crisis
Low BP, severe lethargy, severe vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, LOC, hyponatremia and hypoglycemia
What is hydrocortisone (Cortef)
Bioidentical cortisol drug
How is hydrocortisone used
PO, IV, IM (be careful), and most commonly topically
What disease is prednisone (Deltasone) the preferred drug for
Reactive airway disease or moderate to severe allergic reaction. Leukemia reaction, AI, collagen vascular dz
What is the MOA of prednisone
affects gene transcription to either stimulate or repress protein production
What drug class is Dexamethasone (decadron)
fluorinated corticosteroid
What is the MOA of dexamethasone (decadron)
Affects gene transcription to either stimulate or repress protein production
When is triamcinolone (azmacort) indicated
for use in asthma, COPD. Not acute asthma
What are the indications of beclomethasone
prophylaxis of asthma (inhaler); rhinitis, had fever, sinusitis (nasal spray); rarely for bad aphthous ulcers
What is seen in Conn’s disease
Increased aldosterone, which causes sodium retention and HTN
