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Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids: Uses, Effects, & Dosage

Explore the pharmacology, effects, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and dosages of glucocorticoids in nonendocrine disorders, including their impact on metabolism, immunity, and various conditions. Learn about tapering methods and individualized dosages.

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Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids: Uses, Effects, & Dosage

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  1. Chapter 72 Glucocorticoids in Nonendocrine Disorders

  2. GlucocorticoidDrugs (familiar names are Prednisone, Prednisolone) • Also known as corticosteroids and nearly identical to steroids produced by the adrenal cortex • Physiologic effects (low doses) • Modulation of glucose metabolism in adrenocortical insufficiency • Pharmacologic effects (high doses) • Suppression of inflammation

  3. Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids • Effects on metabolism and electrolytes • Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects • Therapeutic uses in nonendocrine disorders • Rheumatoid arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus • Inflammatory bowel disease • Miscellaneous inflammatory disorders

  4. Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids • Therapeutic uses in nonendocrine disorders (cont’d) • Allergic conditions • Asthma • Dermatologic disorders • Neoplasms • Suppression of allograft rejection • Prevention of respiratory distress syndrome

  5. Fig.72–1. Feedback regulation of glucocorticoid synthesis and secretion.

  6. Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids • Adverse effects • Adrenal insufficiency (can have “crisis” if body is severely stressed) • Osteoporosis and resultant fractures • Infection (fever, sore throat, etc, more concerning) • Glucose intolerance- diabetes have trouble with glycemic control • Myopathy • Fluid and electrolyte disturbances- edema, HTN, hypokalemia • Growth retardation (growth slowed for one year in kids • Psychologicdisturbances (mania or depression)

  7. Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids • Adverse effects (cont’d) • Cataracts and glaucoma • Peptic ulcer disease • Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome • Use in pregnancy and lactation • Drug interactions • Interactions related to potassium loss • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ulcer risk) • Insulin and oral hypoglycemics • Vaccines

  8. Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids • Contraindications • Patients with systemic fungal infections • Latent tuberculosis • Those receiving live virus vaccines • Use with caution in pediatric patients and in pregnancy/breast-feeding

  9. Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids • Adrenal suppression • Why it can develop • Adrenal suppression and physiologic stress • Glucocorticoid withdrawal • Taper the dosage over 7 days (to physiologic dosage) • Switch from multiple doses to single doses • Taper the dosage to 50% of physiologic values (for another month) • Monitor for signs of insufficiency

  10. Glucocorticoid Dosage • Highly individualized • Determined empirically (trial and error) • No immediate threat—start low and slow • Immediate threat—start high; decrease as possible • Long-time use—smallest effective amount • Prolonged treatment with high doses only if disorder is life-threatening or has potential to cause permanent disability • Increased in times of stress (“stress dose,” for example, pre-op, may be triple and given IV) • Gradual weaning • Alternate-day therapy (less adrenal suppression)

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