Rescue Inhalers: Systemic Corticosteroids Flashcards
How do systemic corticosteroids work?
Systemic corticosteroids decrease inflammation, and increase response to β2 agonists
What dosage form is methylprednisolone available in?
Tablets
What age groups can methylprednisolone be used in?
Children and adults
What dosage forms is prednisolone available in?
Tablets and oral liquid
What age groups can prednisolone be used in?
Children and adults
What dosage forms is prednisone available in?
Tablets and oral liquid
What age groups can prednisone be used for?
Children and adults
What dosage forms is dexamethasone available in?
Tablets, oral liquid, and injection
What age groups can dexamethasone be used for?
Children 0-4 years old (?)
What dosage form is methylprednisolone acetate available in?
Respiratory injection
What age groups can be methylprednisolone be used for?
Children and adults
What adverse effects are associated with systemic corticosteroids?
- Hyperglycemia
- Increased appetite
- Fluid retention
- Demargination of WBCs
- Psychiatric disturbances
What are systemic corticosteroids contraindicated for?
- Systemic fungal infections
- Administration of live vaccines if immunocompromised
What is the DI for systemic corticosteroids?
Warfarin INR increases, decreasing the efficacy of inactivated vaccines
Give four clinical pearls for systemic corticosteroids.
- May be used with ICS if patient is already taking one prior to hospitalization
- May also be used for chronic therapy asthma and COPD only in severe stages
- “Bursts” are effective for establishing control when initiating therapy or during a period of gradual deterioration
- Injections may be used in the place of bursts if adherence is an issue or patient is vomiting
