Corticosteroids are medications used to decrease the immune response. They are analogues to the hormones that are naturally produced by the adrenal glands situated on top of the kidneys. Overuse of corticosteroids can lead to adrenal insufficiency, i.e. underproduction of adrenal hormones. Adrenal insufficiency, in turn, is treated by replacement of the lacking hormones, i.e. corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids, which are used for medical purposes, should not be confused with anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are the "steroids" which are often abused in the athletic world, and are more closely related to testosterone (note -"sterone".. yes, testosterone is a type of steroid too).
Corticosteroids
Brand/Generic Drug Names
Celestone/betamethasone, Cortone/cortisone, Decadron/dexamethasone, Cortef/hydrocortisone, Medrol/methylprednisolone, Deltasone/prednisone, Aristocort/triamcinolone, Florinef/fludrocortisone, Entocort/ budesomide
Common uses
Glucocorticoids: decrease inflammation, immunosuppression, allergy, adrenal insufficiency, cerebral edema
Mineralocorticoids: adrenal insufficiency, adrenogenital syndrome
Pharmacology
Glucocorticoids: decrease inflammation by suppression of migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, fibroblasts, increased capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilization; varied metabolic effects, modify immune response to many stimuli
Mineralocorticoids: increase resorption of sodium by increasing hydrogen and potassium excretion in distal tubule
Class contraindications
allergy, systemic fungal infection, amebiasis, breastfeeding
Class precautions
diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, seizure disorder, peptic ulcer, impaired renal function, congestive heart failure, hypertension, ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, children, elderly, pregnancy
Interactions
Decreased corticosteroid effect: barbiturates, rifampin, phenytoin
gastrointestinal bleeding: salicylates, indomethacin
Reduced salicylate levels
Decreased serum potassium: digitalis glycosides, amphotericin, potassium-depleting diuretics
Adverse Reactions
behavior change, insomnia, euphoria, gastrointestinal irritation, peptic ulcer, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, carbohydrate intolerance, sodium and fluid retention
Additional Information
Assess intake and output, daily weight, mental status, blood and urine glucose
Assess for signs and symptoms of infection, adrenal insufficiency
Administer with food or milk to decrease gastrointestinal symptoms
Evaluate therapeutic response: decreased inflammation
Date of most recent Update
August 28, 2002
Further information is available in the writeup for the
specific name(s) of this medication class
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