Systemic Corticosteroids

Question 1

Mechanism of action

Answer 1

Decrease inflammation

Increase response to B2 agonists

Question 2

Methylprednisolone dosage form

Answer 2

tablet

Question 3

Methylprednisolone age range

Answer 3

all ages

Question 4

Prednisolone dosage forms

Answer 4

Tablets

Oral liquid

Question 5

Prednisolone age range

Answer 5

All ages

Question 6

Prednisone dosage forms

Answer 6

Tablets

Oral liquid

Question 7

Prednisone age range

Answer 7

All ages

Question 8

Dexamethasone dosage forms

Answer 8

Oral Liquid
Tablets
Injection

Question 9

Dexamethasone age range

Answer 9

All ages

Question 10

Methylprednisolone acetate dosage form

Answer 10

Respiratory injection

Question 11

Methylprednisolone acetate age range

Answer 11

all ages

Question 12

AE and Clinical Pearls

Answer 12

AE: short term use-hyperglycemia, increased appetite, fluid retention, demargination of WBCs, psychiatric disturbances
CI: Systemic fungal infections, administration of live vaccines if immunocompromised
DI: Warfarin INR increases, decreased efficacy of inactived vaccines
May be used with ICS if patient is already taking ICS before hospitalization
May also be used for chronic therapy in both asthma (and COPD) only in severe stages
“Bursts” effective for establishing control when initiating therapy or during period of gradual deterioration
Injection may be used in place of “burst” if adherence is an issue or patient is vomiting