Corticosteroid
Class Name: corticosteroid (Oral route, Parenteral route)
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Alkindi Sprinkle
- Aristocort
- Bubbli-Pred
- Celestone
- Cortone Acetate
- Cotolone
- Decadron
- Deltasone
- Dexamethasone Intensol
- Emflaza
- Entocort EC
- Florinef Acetate
- Medrol
- Methylpred-DP
- Prednicot
- Prelone
In Canada
- APO-predniSONE
- Pediapred 5
- Pms-prednisoLONE
- Pulmicort
- Pulmicort Spacer
- Teva-predniSONE
- Winpred
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Elixir
- Solution
- Suspension
- Capsule, Extended Release
- Capsule, Delayed Release
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Syrup
- Tablet, Disintegrating
- Tablet, Delayed Release
- Granule
Uses for this Medicine
Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) are used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body. They lessen swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. They are often used as part of the treatment for a number of different diseases, such as severe allergies or skin problems, asthma, or arthritis. Corticosteroids may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Your body naturally produces certain cortisone-like hormones that are necessary to maintain good health. If your body does not produce enough, your doctor may have prescribed this medicine to help make up the difference.
Corticosteroids are very strong medicines. In addition to their helpful effects in treating your medical problem, they have side effects that can be very serious. If your adrenal glands are not producing enough cortisone-like hormones, taking this medicine is not likely to cause problems unless you take too much of it. If you are taking this medicine to treat another medical problem, be sure that you discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription.
Importance of Diet
If you will be using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may want you to:
- Follow a low-salt diet and/or a potassium-rich diet.
- Watch your calories to prevent weight gain.
- Add extra protein to your diet.
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are already on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet.
Before using this Medicine
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Corticosteroids may cause infections such as chickenpox or measles to be more serious in children who catch them. These medicines can also slow or stop growth in children and in growing teenagers, especially when they are used for a long time. Before this medicine is given to children or teenagers, you should discuss its use with your child's doctor and then carefully follow the doctor's instructions.
Geriatric
Older patients may be more likely to develop high blood pressure or osteoporosis (bone disease) from corticosteroids. Women are especially at risk of developing bone disease.
