Corticosteroids (systemic)

Question 1

What does corticosteroids act on?

Answer 1

hormones that are secreted from the adrenal cortex made from the crystalline steroid alcohol cholesterol.

Question 2

What is the biggest effect corticosteroids have? What are the good with helping?

Answer 2

anti-inflammatory action which help inflammatory and autoimmune disorders

Question 3

What are the listed reasons you would use corticosteroids

Answer 3

Rheumatic disorders, arthritis, bursitis, allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, COPD/Asthma exacerbations, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), autoimmune disorders

Question 4

What adverse reactions can corticosteroids give? (think high dose and long term)

Answer 4

Cushing’s syndrome, buffalo hump, moon face, oily skin, acne, shutting off pituitary release of hormones, adrenal insufficiency (acute cessation can be life threatening)

Question 5

What contraindications/warnings/precautions do corticosteroids have

Answer 5

can cause tuberculosis and fungal infections

Question 6

What are examples of systemic corticosteroids?

Answer 6

Hydrocortisone (Solu-cortef), prednisone, triamcinolone (kenalog), methylprednisolone (solu-medrol), dexamethasone (decadron)