A collection of medications that bear chemical resemblance to the corticosteroid hormones naturally synthesized by the adrenal glands is categorized as a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.
Corticosteroid medications find application as a form of hormone replacement therapy in cases of Addison’s disease and when the adrenal glands or pituitary gland have been compromised due to illness or surgical intervention. Moreover, these drugs are utilized for managing inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as for immediate intervention in cases of retinal artery inflammation associated with temporal arteritis. Additionally, corticosteroid drugs serve as a treatment option for autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis.
Furthermore, corticosteroid drugs play a crucial role in preventing organ rejection subsequent to transplant surgery and are employed in the treatment of certain cancer types like lymphoma or leukemia. Moreover, corticosteroid injections may be administered to alleviate pain associated with conditions such as tennis elbow and arthritis.
When corticosteroid drugs are administered in the form of creams or taken via inhalers, the occurrence of side effects is uncommon. However, prolonged usage of high-dose tablets may lead to a range of potential adverse effects. These include the development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, edema, peptic ulcers, Cushing’s syndrome, inhibited growth in children, and, albeit rarely, cataracts or psychosis. Furthermore, high doses of these medications can impair the immune system, thereby elevating the risk of severe infections such as septicaemia and tuberculosis. It is important to note that individuals taking corticosteroids may face life-threatening complications if they contract chickenpox.
Prolonged administration of corticosteroid drugs hampers the natural production of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal glands. Abrupt discontinuation of these medications can result in adrenal failure, a potentially life-threatening condition. Hence, it is imperative for individuals who are currently on corticosteroid therapy or have recently concluded it to possess a steroid treatment card and inform their healthcare provider before undergoing any other medical procedures or treatments.