PREDNISOLONE Flashcards
1
Q
Drug class
A
corticosteroids
2
Q
How does it work? (2)
A
- gene expression
- bind to cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors
- these are involved in regulation of gene expression
- Immune response
- modify the immune response
- up regulating the anti-inflammatory genes
- down regulate pro-inflammatory genes
3
Q
What are examples of pro-inflammatory genes? (2)
A
- cytokines
- tumour necrosis factor alpha
4
Q
What does prednisolone also suppress? (2)
A
- circulating monocytes
- eosinophils
5
Q
What is the metabolic effect of prednisolone?
A
- increased gluconeogenesis
6
Q
What is the mineralocorticoid effects of prednisolone? (3)
A
- stimulate Na+
- stimulate water retention
- K+ excretion in the renal tubule
7
Q
Indications (5)
A
- allergic disorders
- anti-inflammatory disorders
- cancers
- adrenal insufficiencies
- hypopituitarism
8
Q
Contraindications (2)
A
- infection
2. children
9
Q
Side effects (6)
A
- immunosuppression
- metabolic effects
- diabetes
- osteoporosis
- proximal muscle weakness
- skin thinning
- brusing
- gastritis
- mood and behavioural changes
- insominia
- confusion
- psychosis
- suicidal thoughts
- Mineralocorticoid action
- hypertension
- oedema
- hypokalemia
- Adrenal atrophy
- Addisonian crisis - Withdrawal symptoms
10
Q
Elimination
A
urine
11
Q
Interactions and examples (3)
A
- cytochrome p450 inducers
e. g. pheytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin
