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
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
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.
Long-Acting Glucocorticoids
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.
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 |