# Corticosteroids --- **Corticosteroids**, are a class of [[hormone|steroid hormone]] that have diverse functions throughout the body. They can be divided into the following categories: - [[glucocorticoids]] which increase blood sugar levels - [[mineralocorticoids]] which regulate mineral/electrolyte levels - [[reproductive system|sex hormones]] estrogen and testosterone ## Synthetic Corticosteroids **Corticosteroids** are also a class of [[medicine]] that is prescribed for conditions associated with [[inflammation]], such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] or [[asthma]]. ### Mechanism of Action Generally lead to reduced inflammation. ### Adverse Reactions - immunosuppression - avoid crowds - [[osteoporosis]] - adrenal suppression - It is **very important** to not stop corticosteroids suddenly, because the body slows down it's normal [[glucocorticoids|cortisol]] production when it gets it from other sources, and it takes some time to ramp back up. - increased blood sugar - insomnia - roid rage - fluid retention - (increase of aldosterone, increase of sodium) - watch vitals, especially BP, especially with hemorrhagic stroke patients - **steroid psychoses** - neuro checks! - long term use especially can lead to: - fatty deposits - androgenic hair growth - essentially iatrogenic [[Cushing syndrome]] - paper thin skin ### Examples - **prednisone** is a commonly proscribed corticosteroid - actually most closely resembles [[glucocorticoids|cortisol]] a glucocorticoid - **beclomethasone** - **fluticasone** - often combined with the bronchodilator [[bronchodilators|salmeterol]] - **dexamethasone** (Decadron) - Particularly useful in reducing cerebral edema ### Nursing Considerations - For inhaled corticosteroids it is important to rinse your mouth out after administration, because otherwise they have an increased risk for [[thrush]]. - Be mindful of stopping suddenly: see adrenal suppression [[#Adverse Reactions|above]]. ___