Steroids Pharm Flashcards
Steroids Function
Replacement for actual or pseudo-insufficiency malfunction of adrenal gland, anti-inflammation (for systemic inflammation), immunosuppression (small doses, organ transplant)
When are steroids given?
Allergies (shot or pill), asthma (inhaled), COPD exacerbation (IV to PO), chronic inflam bowel disease, rheumatic dx, post-transplant (weaned off if no rejection occurs)
Goal of steroid replacement
mimic physiological levels; must inc in times of stress like glucocorticoids do
Steroid edu
May need to inc levels in times of sickness to mimic natural levels
Glucocorticoids dosing
multiple ways: alternate day therapy, gradually dec levels, etc
Mineralcorticoids (MCC) dosing
typically once per day
Hydrocortisone
synthetic form of cortisol; CANNOT be distinguished from endogenous cortisol in the body; some MCC action
SE of hydrocortisone
low dose–not many; large doses–toxic
Prednisone
GCC steroid given in smaller doses for chronic disease states
Dexamethasone
GCC given when assessing adrenal function; can be distinguished from endogenous cortisol in the bod; used for COVID tx
Acute SE of glucocorticoid replacement
inc intraocular pressure, fluid retention, high BP, mood swings, weight gain esp in abs, face, back of neck, hunger
NC for GCC replacement
not for hx of eye disease, bc careful if BP already high
Why do steroids cause hunger?
Bc causes body to b/d protein and be in catabolic state
Long-term SE of corticosteroids (months to years)
clouded eye lens (cataracts), high blood sugar (worsened or dev DM), suppressed immune sys (inc risk of infection), thinned bones (osteoporosis), suppressed adrenal gland hor production, thin skin, bruising, slow wound healing
Sx of suppressed adrenal gland hormone production
Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle weakness
