Corticosteroids Flashcards
Why are patients advised to report any blurred vision/visual disturbances when on steroids?
MHRA alert for central serous chorioretinopathy (from local and systemic use)
Mineralcorticoid side effects
water + sodium retention, hypertension, K+ and Calcium loss
Fludrocortisone, Hydrocortisone and Corticotrophin are what type of steroid
Mineralcorticoid
Side effects of Glucocorticoids
Weight gain, mood disturbances, glaucoma, diabetes, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of femoral head, muscle wastage, peptic ulcers, infection risk, thin skin,
Most potent Glucocorticoid steroids
Betamethasone / Dexamethasone
In addisons disease, which steroid is normally used?
Hydrocortisone - 2 dosees with the larger dose in the morning and a smaller dose in the evening
Steroids can cause osteoporosis. If a patient is prescribed steroids for > 3 months what else should they be prescribed to counteract this side effect?
Bisphosphonate
Why are statins cautioned with use with steroids?
risk of mypathy
Why should steroids be taken with food
GI ulcer risk
Abrupt withdrawal of steroids should be avoided if patient has been on them for how long?
> 3 weeks
What should be monitored in children taking steroids?
Height and weight
When should a gradual withdrawl of steroids be considered?
- recevied >40mg pred for > 1 weeks
- repeated doses in evening
- recevied >3 weeks treatment
- recently had repeat course
- taken a short course within a year of stopping long term therapy
What is the physiological dose of prednisolone
7.5mg
Which steroid has an MHRA warning regarding use in patients with cows milk allergies due to lactose contect?
Methylprednisolone injection (solu-medrone)
What strategies can be used to reduce chance of steroid side effects?
- lowest possible dose
- local treatment
- single dose in morning
- alternate day adminsitration
- short course
