Inflammation

Question 1

Background information for Corticosteroids

Answer 1

Activation of glucocorticoid receptors reduces the production of inflammatory mediators and suppresses immune system activity

Question 2

Pharmacology of Corticosteroids

Answer 2

Corticosteroids bind to and activate glucocorticoid receptors

Question 3

Indications of Corticosteroids

Answer 3

• Inflammation
• Allergic Reactions
• Autoimmune disorders
• Adrenal insufficiency (adrenal glands don’t product enough hormone)

Question 4

Side effects of Corticosteroids

Answer 4

• Gastrointestinal irritation/ulceration
• Fluid retention
• Hypertension
• Hyperglycemia
• Weight gain
• Thinning of the skin

Question 5

Drug interactions of Corticosteroids

Answer 5

• Antibiotics increase the effect of warfarin which increases the risk of bleeding
• May decrease the effect of oral contraceptives

Question 6

List the brand names and generic names of Corticosteroids

Answer 6

Brand Name: Cortef, Sterapred, Orapred, Medrol, Decadron

Generic Name: Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone

Question 7

What do Corticosteroids end with?

Answer 7

“-sone, -solone)

Question 8

Important note fo Corticosteroids

Answer 8

• Administer with food or milk to reduce GI irritation/ulceration
• Potential consequences of immunosuppression
• Corticosteroid withdrawal, doses to be tapered

Question 9

Background information for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 9

Inflammation commonly causes pain. The process of inflammation is mediated by prostaglandins, which are naturally produced within the body

Question 10

Pharmacology of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 10

Block cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for the production of prostaglandins

Question 11

Indications of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 11

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Fever

Question 12

Side effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 12

• Nausea/Vomiting
• Stomach ulcers
• Renal impairment
• Cardiovascular events
• Reye’s Syndrome

Question 13

Drug interactions of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 13

• Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs

Question 14

Important note for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 14

• Prostaglandins protect the stomach lining, NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin and increase the risk of stomach bleeding, take with food
• Avoid NSAIDs during the third trimester of pregnancy
  -Toradol is the most potent NSAIDs, 5-day limit use

Question 15

List the brand names and generic names of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Answer 15

Brand Name: Celebrex, Voltaren, Indocin, Lodine, Mobic, Relafen, Toradol, Aleve [Naprosyn (OTC), Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength (OTC), Motrin [Advil] (OTC)

Generic Name: Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Etodolac, Melloxicam, Nabumetone, Ketorolac, Naproxen (OTC), Aspirin (OTC), Ibuprofen (OTC)