More inflammatory drugs (other than NSAIDs)

Question 1

Glucocorticoids are another type of anti-inflammatory drug. What effect do they have on cells?

Answer 1

Reduce extravasation of neutrophils
Reduce immune cell activation
Reduce fibroblast function

Question 2

What effects does glucocorticoids have on chemical mediators?

Answer 2

Reduce production of prostanoids
Decrease generation of cytokines 
Reduce complement 
Reduce antibody production 
Reduce NO synthesis
Reduce histamine release from basophils and mast cells

Question 3

What is included in prostanoids?

Answer 3

Prostaglandin

Thromboxane

Question 4

How are glucocorticoids absorbed, metabolised and excreted?

Answer 4

GI, mucus membranes, skin
Metabolised in liver
Excreted via kidneys

Question 5

What are the side effects of glucocorticoids?

Answer 5

GI ulceration (Don’t use with NSAIDs)
Decreased wound healing
Increases susceptibility to infection

Question 6

What are the contraindications for glucocorticoids?

Answer 6

Diabetes mellitus
Infections
Cardiac disease
Pregnancy

Question 7

What might you see in long term glucocorticoid treatment in dogs?

Answer 7

Muscle atrophy

Cushing’s disease

Question 8

What are anticytokines used for? Why are they not often used?

Answer 8

Severe, chronic inflammation

Very expensive

Question 9

How do anticytokines work?

Answer 9

Inhibit cytokines

Question 10

Give an example of an antifibrotic. What is this used for? How does it work?

Answer 10

Colchicine 
Liver fibrosis (- inhibits collagen synthesis

Question 11

What are the adverse effects of colchicine? (Many)

Answer 11

V+
D+
Abdominal pain