Corticosteroids - Introduction



Corticosteroids are available in different forms, including:

  • tablets (oral steroids)
  • injections – which can be into blood vessels, joints or muscles
  • inhalers – such as mouth or nasal sprays
  • lotions, gels or creams (topical steroids)

These pages are about steroid tablets, inhalers and injections. Steroid lotions, creams and gels are covered separately.

What are corticosteroids used for?


They are used to treat conditions such as:

Corticosteroids can also be used to replace certain hormones that are not being produced by the body naturally – for example, in people with Addison's disease.

Possible side effects

Corticosteroids will only be prescribed if the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. They will also be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

There aren't usually any severe side effects if you take steroid injections, a steroid inhaler, or a short course of steroid tablets. However, prolonged treatment at high doses – particularly with steroid tablets – can cause problems in some people.

Potential side effects of long-term treatment include:

If you have troublesome side effects after taking corticosteroids, don't stop taking your medication until your doctor says it's safe to do so, because of the possibility of these unpleasant withdrawal effects.


Read more about the side effects of corticosteroids.

Cautions and interactions

For most people, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, steroid inhalers and injections are safe. However, they will still only be used if a doctor thinks the potential benefits outweigh the risks.


  • having an ongoing widespread infection
  • having mental health or behavioural problems – such as depression or alcohol dependence
  • having certain underlying physical conditions – such as liver problems, heart failure, high blood pressure or diabetes
  • taking another medication that may interact with corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can often be taken while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, although your doctor will only prescribe them if the risks of not being treated outweigh the risks associated with the medication.

Read more about who can use corticosteroids and interactions of corticosteroids.

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