September 21, 2015 - Pharmacology Corticosteroids

Question 1

Prednisone

Answer 1

A corticosteroid that is very effective as an immunosuppressive drug.

It has used for many auto-immune conditions, including the induction of remission for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Only should be used in the short-term though, because it has many side effects, particularly cushingoid features. The higher the dose and the longer the duration, the more likely these effects will occur.

Question 2

Cushingoid Features

Answer 2

A collection of signs and symptoms due to prolonged exposure to cortisol. This can present with high BP, abdominal obesity, red stretch marks, a round red face, a fat lump between the shoulders, weak bones, ane, and fragile skin.

Question 3

Budesonide

Answer 3

A synthetic glucocorticoid.

It is effective at inducing remission compared to placebo, but it is not effective for maintenance therapy. It is also not as effective as conventional glucocorticoid therapy for inducing remission, so should be limited to mild/moderate disease.

Question 4

Vomiting Centre

Answer 4

Is located within the medulla.

Question 5

Dimenhydrinate

Answer 5

“Gravol”

Well tolerated, but often causes sleepiness.