Corticosteroids Flashcards
(16 cards)
What should be monitored in patients taking corticosteroids?
Blood pressure, blood lipids, serum potassium, body weight and height (in children and adolescents), bone mineral density, blood glucose, eye exam (for intraocular pressure, cataracts), signs of adrenal suppression
Regular monitoring helps in early detection of side effects.
What are warning signs of corticosteroid use?
Paradoxical bronchospasm, symptoms of uncontrolled asthma (e.g. cough, wheeze, tight chest), frequent courses of antibiotics and/or oral corticosteroids, TB, septicaemia, ocular fungal or viral infections, adrenal suppression, immunosuppression, psychiatric reactions
It’s crucial for patients to recognize these signs for timely medical intervention.
What symptoms indicate adrenal suppression?
Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, headache, muscular weakness
Adrenal suppression can lead to serious health complications.
What psychiatric reactions may occur with corticosteroid use?
Suicidal thoughts, nightmares, depression, insomnia
Patients should be monitored for mental health changes.
What actions should be taken if warning signs occur?
Advise patient to report immediately to a doctor
Quick action can prevent serious complications.
What should be given to a patient requiring long-term steroid treatment?
A steroid treatment card
This card informs healthcare providers about the patient’s treatment.
Why should treatment not be stopped abruptly after prolonged corticosteroid use?
To prevent withdrawal symptoms and adrenal crisis
Gradual tapering is necessary for safety.
When should oral steroids be taken?
In the morning as a single dose
This schedule helps mimic the body’s natural cortisol rhythm.
What should patients do after using inhaled corticosteroids?
Rinse their mouth or clean their teeth
This helps prevent oral thrush and other side effects.
What should patients without a history of chicken pox and measles do?
Avoid anyone with these infections
Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for infections.
Which drugs can accelerate the metabolism of corticosteroids?
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifamycins
These medications can alter corticosteroid effectiveness.
How do corticosteroids affect anticoagulants?
They may induce or enhance the anticoagulant effect of coumarins
Monitoring is essential to prevent bleeding complications.
What is a potential effect of high-dose corticosteroids on vaccines?
They can impair immune response to vaccines; avoid concomitant use with live vaccines
This can lead to inadequate vaccine efficacy.
What gastrointestinal effects can corticosteroids mask?
The effects of NSAIDs (including aspirin)
Caution is advised when using these medications together.
What can cause severe hypokalaemia when used with corticosteroids?
Other drugs that lower serum potassium, e.g. loop and thiazide diuretics
Monitoring potassium levels is essential in these cases.
What effects do glucocorticoids have on antihypertensive and oral hypoglycaemic drugs?
They antagonize their effects
This can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
