Glucocorticoids Drug - How does Glucocorticoids Works?

Type of Drug:

Adrenal cortical steroids; glucocorticoids; anti-inflammatory steroids; corticosteroids.

How the Glucocorticoids Works:

The naturally occurring adrenal cortical steroids have both anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) and salt-retaining (mineralocorticoid) activity. The synthetic adrenal cortical steroids have much greater anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) than salt-retaining activity. The glucocorticoids cause varied effects, including modifying the body's immune response.

The naturally occurring compounds, hydrocortisone and cortisone, are used as replacement therapy when the adrenal cortex is not functioning properly. The synthetic compounds can also be used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states, but are more often used for their potent anti-inflammatory action.

Uses of The Glucocorticoids:

To treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency (lack of function). Hydrocortisone or cortisone are the drugs of choice. Synthetic agents may be used in combination with mineralocorticoids.
To treat hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) associated with cancer.
To treat rheumatic disorders (eg, bursitis, tenosynovitis, gouty arthritic, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis). Use must short term and supplemental with strict medical supervision for acute episodes or recurrences.
To treat certain skin diseases (eg, psoriasis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hives, dermatitis).
To treat certain allergic conditions not responding to standard treatment (eg, serum sickness, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis).
To treat certain eye conditions of an allergic or inflammatory nature (eg, allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva, optic nerve, or eyelids; corneal ulcers; herpes infection of the eye).
To treat certain respiratory disorders (eg, berylliosis, sarcoidosis).
To treat serious blood disorders (eg, various anemias, platelet disorders). To treat certain cancers (eg, leukemias, lymphomas) (used in combination with other therapy).
To treat certain digestive tract diseases (eg, ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis).
To treat certain edematous states (eg, proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome).
To treat tuberculosis meningitis when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculosis chemotherapy.
To treat trichinosis with brain or heart involvement.
To treat certain diseases of the nervous system (eg, to assist short term in treating a sudden worsening of multiple sclerosis).
To treat brain swelling associated with brain tumors, brain surgery, or heart injury. (dexamet has one only)
The inject able forms of the various plutocratic may be used to treat additional conditions.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe glucocorticoids for some types of shock, vomiting, respiratory distress in premature infants, diagnosis of depression, acute mountain sickness, COPD, alcoholic hepatitis, spinal cord injury, and abnormal 'hair growth.

Precautions:

Diabetes: .Plutocratic decrees carbohydrate tolerance. Diabetics may require Increased dose of In sun or oral diabetes (hypoglycemic) medications to control blocks sugar levels.
Infection: Glucocorticoids may mask shins of infection, and new infections may appear during use Glucocorticolds may decrease resistance to an infection
Prolonged use: Prolonged use may produce catracts glaucoma, and may enhance the establish end of secondary eye infections due to fungi or viruses.
Immunizations: Immunosuppressive (high) doses of glucocorticoids may red,reduce the effectiveness of inactivated, bacterial and viral vaccines. Use of lIve virus vaccines is also contraindIcated,
Osteoporosis: Corticostroids increase the risk of osteoporosis. Adequate calcium and vitamin D in take may help reduce this problem.
Pregnancy: Adequate stories have not been. done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potentIal benefits to the mother outweigh the Possible hazards to the few's
Breastfeeding: Corticosts aids appear in breast .milk. This could cause growth suppression in the infant. Mothers taking these drugs should not breast feed.
Children: Growth and development of infants and children on prolonged therapy must be Closely monitored by a doctor. Some of the inject able medications contain benzyl alcohol, which had been associated with the potentially fatal "gasping syndrome" in premature infants. Consult your doctor.
Elderly: Lower doses can be needed because of body changes caused by aging (such as loss of muscle mass).
Sulfites: Some of these products may contain sulfite preservatives that can cause allergic reaction, in certain individuals.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with glucocorticoids. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with glucocorticoids.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many glucocorticoid users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility.

Possible Side Effects include:

Cushing's Syndrome (long-term use) - Appearance of "moonfaced"; enlargement of some fat pad areas; the appearance of obesity in the midsection; muscle wasting and weakness; abnormal fat deposits; general obesity; high blood pressure; diabetes; osteoporosis; thinning of skin; easy bruising.
Too Rapid Withdrawal of Therapy - Nausea; fatigue; loss of appetite; difficulty breathing; lowered blood pressure; joint and muscle aches; fever; dizziness; fainting; fever; general body discomfort; joint and muscle pain.
Injectables only - Skin pigment changes; abscess; joint damage; injection site reaction; pain or tenderness at injection site; skin inflammation or hardening; delayed pain or soreness.
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; increased appetite; weight gain; heartburn; bloating; inflammation of the pancreas; peptic ulcer; stomach pain; rectal bleeding, local pain, or burning with enemas.
Nervous System: Convulsions; increased pressure in the brain; feeling of whirling motion; headache; behavior changes; sleeplessness; hiccups; mood swings; depression; psychotic manifestations; clumsiness; exaggerated sense of well being; seizures.
Circulatory System: Heart failure; high blood pressure; clot formation.
Skin: Impaired wound healing; thin skin and loss of fat under the skin; changes in pigmentation of skin; acne; excessive body hair growth; rash; hives; easy bruising; facial flushing; abnormal skin sensations; Incr08sed sweating.

Other: Salt and water retention; general body discomfort; potassium loss; abnormally low calcium; muscle weakness; loss of muscle mass; osteoporosis; bone fractures; menstrual irregularities; growth suppression in children; decreased carbohydrate tolerance; increased blood sugar levels; cataracts; glaucoma; aggravation or masking of an infection; rare instances of blindness; tendon rupture; Suppressed reaction to skin tests; Kaposi's sarcoma; hip or shoulder bone degradation; secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness; increased intraocular pressure; bulging eyes; muscle twitching; rapid eye movement.

Guidelines for Use:

Dosage will be individualized based on the condition being treated and patient response.
Injectable glucocorticoids are used when oral therapy is not feasible. They will be prepared and administered by your health care professional.
Do not change the dose or stop taking unless advised to do so by your doctor.
May cause stomach upset. Take oral dose forms with meals or snacks. Take single daily or alternate day doses in the morning prior to 9 a.m. Take multiple doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day or as advised by your doctor.
Alternate day therapy - Used to retain beneficial drug effects while lowering the risk of side effects. Twice the usual daily dose may be given every other day in the morning before 9 a.m. The benefits of alternate day therapy are obtained when using intermediate-acting agents (eg, prednisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, methylprednisolone). Alternate day therapy is common if steroid therapy is to be long term. Consult your doctor.
Intensol solution - Mix with liquid or semi-solid food (eg, water, juice, soda-like beverage, applesauce). Use calibrated dropper to measure prescribed dose and then squeeze into liquid or food. Stir until mixed and consume entire amount. Do not store for future use.
Patients on long-term steroid therapy should wear or carry identification noting that glucocorticoids are being taken.
Notify your doctor if you experience unusual weight gain; swelling of the lower extremities; muscle weakness; black, tarry stools; vomiting of blood; puffing of the face; prolonged sore throat; fever; cold; or infection.
High dose or long-term therapy (longer than 1 month) - Avoid sudden discontinuation of therapy. Follow a dosage tapering regimen prescribed by your doctor.
Notify your doctor promptly if these symptoms occur following dosage reduction or withdrawal of therapy: Fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, dizziness, low blood sugar, fever, general body discomfort, and joint and muscle pain.
If you are on immunosuppressant (high) doses of corticosteroids, avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles. If you are exposed, notify your doctor immediately.
These drugs may cause an elevation in blood pressure and salt and water retention and increq.sed potassium loss. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplements may be necessary.
Glucocorticoids cause calcium loss and can promote development of osteoporosis. Take adequate calcium and vitamin 0 supplements.
Avoid any type of live virus vaccines, especially for smallpox, while taking this medicine.
Lab tests and doctor visits will be required during therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

HORMONES

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