﻿ Corticosteroids: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing

Corticosteroids Systemic (Oral and Injectable)

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What are systemic corticosteroids and how do they work?


Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body. It does not include corticosteroids used in the eyes, ears, or nose, on the skin or that are inhaled, although small amounts of these corticosteroids can be absorbed into the body.

Naturally occurring corticosteroids, hydrocortisone (Cortef) and cortisone, are produced by the outer portion of the adrenal gland known as the cortex (hence the name, corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are classified as either:

  1. glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory) which suppress inflammation and immunity and assist in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, or as
  2. mineralocorticoids (salt retaining) that regulate the balance of salt and water in the body.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 4/15/2014

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