- Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or synthesized for medical use.
- They play essential roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including immune response modulation, inflammation reduction, and maintenance of homeostasis.
- Medically, corticosteroids are used to treat various conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, asthma, and inflammatory disorders.
Classification of Corticosteroids
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Short-Acting Glucocorticoids
- Examples: Cortisone, Hydrocortisone
- Mechanism: Decreases inflammation and reduces immune system activity.
- Uses: Treats adrenal insufficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions.
- Side Effects: Weight gain, glucose intolerance, hypertension, mood swings, thinning of the skin.
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Intermediate-Acting Glucocorticoids
- Example: Prednisolone
- Mechanism: Decreases inflammation and reduces immune system activity.
- Uses: Treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Side Effects: Weight gain, glucose intolerance, hypertension, mood swings, thinning of the skin.
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Long-Acting Glucocorticoids
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- Examples: Betamethasone, Dexamethasone
- Mechanism: Decreases inflammation and reduces immune system activity.
- Uses: Used in high doses to treat severe allergic reactions, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and certain types of arthritis.
- Side Effects: Osteoporosis, weight gain, glucose intolerance, hypertension, mood swings, thinning of the skin, cataracts.
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Summary of Corticosteroids
| Classification | Example | Primary Action | Uses | Common Side Effects |
| Short-Acting Glucocorticoids | Cortisone, Hydrocortisone | Reduces inflammation, suppresses immune response | Adrenal insufficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies | Weight gain, glucose intolerance, hypertension, mood swings |
| Intermediate-Acting Glucocorticoids | Prednisolone | Reduces inflammation, suppresses immune response | Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, psoriasis, colitis | Weight gain, glucose intolerance, hypertension, mood swings |
| Long-Acting Glucocorticoids | Betamethasone, Dexamethasone | Reduces inflammation, suppresses immune response | Severe allergies, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, lupus | Osteoporosis, weight gain, glucose intolerance, cataracts |
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