Lecture on Corticosteroids

Introduction to Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are steroid drugs used to treat inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Different types of steroids:
- Mineral corticoids (e.g., aldosterone)
- Sex steroids (e.g., estrogen, testosterone)
- Corticosteroids (e.g., cortisol)

Some drug names end in "-son," which may indicate a steroid, but this is not universal.
Mnemonic Symbols:
- President: symbolizes prednisone and prednisolone.
- Deck: symbolizes dexmethasone.
- Court: symbolizes cortisone, hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone.

Anti-inflammatory: Symbolized by a fire extinguisher. Used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis.
Immunosuppressant: Symbolized by a broken shield. Used for autoimmune diseases and organ transplant patients to prevent rejection.
Treatment of Addison's Disease: Symbolized by an address. Used to replace cortisol in adrenal insufficiency.

Immunosuppression: Increased susceptibility to infection.
Hyperglycemia: Symbolized by a bowl of candy. Raises blood sugar levels; important for diabetic patients.
Fluid Retention: Symbolized by water bottles. Leads to hypertension, swelling, weight gain.
Osteoporosis: Symbolized by a fractured pillar. Risk of low bone density and fractures with prolonged use.
Cataracts: Symbolized by fogged glasses. Rare side effect from long-term use.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Can be mitigated by taking with food.
Muscle Weakness: Seen with long-term use due to muscle and skin breakdown.
Cushing Syndrome: Symbolized by a cushion. Occurs from high or excessive doses.

Corticosteroids like prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Used for autoimmune conditions, organ transplant rejection prevention, and adrenal insufficiency treatment.
Side effects include hyperglycemia, fluid retention, GI distress, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, cataracts, and potential Cushing syndrome with excessive dosing.