endocrine:drug_classes:corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids)
Corticosteroids are synthetic analogs of adrenal cortex hormones used for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
This is the master class page (hub). Each drug below links to its own monograph page.
Core physiology:
Quick Navigation
Core Mechanism (Class-Wide)
All glucocorticoids:
- Bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptor
- Translocate to nucleus
- Alter transcription
- ↓ cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α)
- ↓ phospholipase A2 → ↓ prostaglandins + leukotrienes
- ↓ eosinophils, ↓ T-cell activation
Full pathway:
Systemic Glucocorticoids
These are used for systemic inflammatory and immune-mediated disease.
| Drug | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone | Short | Higher mineralocorticoid activity |
| Cortisone | Short | Less commonly used |
| Prednisone | Intermediate | Common oral outpatient steroid (prodrug) |
| Prednisolone | Intermediate | Active form (preferred in severe liver disease) |
| Methylprednisolone | Intermediate | Minimal mineralocorticoid activity |
| Triamcinolone | Intermediate | Often intra-articular/topical use |
| Dexamethasone | Long | High potency, no mineralocorticoid activity |
| Betamethasone | Long | High potency; common in obstetrics & derm |
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Intranasal Corticosteroids
Used in:
Topical Dermatologic Corticosteroids
Used in:
Common examples (varied potency):
- Clobetasol (very high potency)
(Topicals are best organized by potency classes I–VII on a dedicated page.)
Ophthalmic Corticosteroids
Used for ocular inflammation (under ophthalmology guidance).
GI / Rectal Corticosteroids
Mineralocorticoids
These are primarily aldosterone-like (volume/BP support), not anti-inflammatory.
Clinical context:
Class-Wide Adverse Effects
Short-term:
- Hyperglycemia
- Mood changes / insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Fluid retention (more with mineralocorticoid-active agents)
Long-term:
- HPA axis suppression
- Osteoporosis
- Increased infection risk
- Cataracts / glaucoma
- Skin thinning, poor wound healing
- Myopathy
HPA physiology:
Clinical Integration (Link Out)
High-Yield Pearls
- Systemic steroids suppress the HPA axis with prolonged use.
- Dexamethasone and betamethasone have no mineralocorticoid activity.
- Intranasal steroids are first-line for allergic rhinitis congestion.
- Inhaled steroids are foundational in asthma control.
- In anaphylaxis, epinephrine is first-line; steroids are adjunctive.
endocrine/drug_classes/corticosteroids.1770926308.txt.gz · Last modified: by andrew2393cns