Corticosteroids are used for adrenal insufficiency (hormone replacement) and are also used in suppressing inflammation, autoimmune reactions, allergic reactions and reducing transplant organ rejections. Listed below are the most commonly used corticosteriods note the -one ending:
Hydrocortisone
Cortisone
Dexamethasone
Prednisone
Betamethasone
Corticosteriods can be given PO or IV.
Although corticosteroids have many therapeutic uses they can be dangerous causing the following side effects:
Osteoporosis
GI bleeding, peptic ulcers
Hyperglycemia
Cushing's syndrome (weight gain, moon face, hump back, electrolye embalance, thin extremities) Delayed wound healing
Frequent infections
Because of the harmful complications of therapy, medication doses are frequently altered and clients need to be monitored closely for side effects.
NCLEX tips:
Corticosteriods will create adrenal insufficiency; after taking these meds the body will stop producing certain hormones.
You must teach your client to taper off this medication if corticosteriods are stopped abruptly a withdrawl will occur.
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