Glucocorticoids Flashcards
What is the MoA of glucocorticoids?
They are cortisol receptor agonists which then stimulates the production of lipocortin.
Lipocortin inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing inflammation by decreasing arachidonic acid after inflammatory challenge, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
Name a common inhalational glucocorticoid.
Beclomethasone
What are the therapeutic uses of glucocorticoids?
- Treatment of asthma
- COPD
- Allergic rhinitis
- Dermatologic allergies
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Immunosuppressant
What is a key side effect of glucocorticoids?
not even longterm necessarily
Dysphonia, thrush, hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression
showed growth in children
dysphonia is change in voice
What is the significance of tapering oral glucocorticoids?
To prevent adrenal suppression which can take months to recover.
Fill in the blank: Glucocorticoids are the most effective drugs for control of _______.
longterm airway inflammation
What are the side effects of long-term glucocorticoid use?
- Bone loss
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Peptic ulcer disease
- adrenal suppresion
What is hydrocortisone/cortisone classified as?
Short, intermediate, or long
Short acting glucocorticoid
How can hydrocortisone be administered?
- Orally
- Topically
- IV (as solu-cortef)
What is a common side effect of glucocorticoids in children?
Slowed growth
What is dexamethasone primarily used for?
Cervical fusion procedures, anti-emetic for anesthesia, treatment of asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis, dermatologic allergies, and rheumatoid arthritis.
or it was an extra difficult airway and you struggled a little
What formulation of glucocorticoid is used for acute stressful events?
Hydrocortisone (IV for stress dose)
True or False: Dexamethasone can only be given orally.
False
What should be done if a patient on glucocorticoids faces a major stress event?
Increase the glucocorticoid dose.
What is prednisone classified as?
Short, Intermediate, or long
Intermediate acting glucocorticoid
Fill in the blank: Glucocorticoids can be supplemented with _______ for moderate to severe exacerbations.
oral glucocorticoids
What can hydrocortisone be used for specifically?
topical: contact dermatitis, bug bites
IV: acute stressful event (trauma, surgery) for patients who are on glucocorticoids at home (stress dose).
General: treatment of asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis, dermatologic allergies, and rheumatoid arthritis; used as an immunosuppressant
Glucocorticoids stimulate or inhibit what receptor?
cortisol receptor agonists
