Corticosteroids Factfiles Flashcards
(12 cards)
Corticosteroids monitoring prior to long term treatment
BP
Weight
Height (children)
Glaucoma/Cataract
HbA1c
Triglycerides
Potassium
Interactions of corticosteroids
Drugs causing hypokalemia
NSAIDS- Increased risk of Gi bleeds and ulcers
Inducers - reduced efficacy
Mineralocorticoid effects
Sodium and water retention
Potassium and hydrogen ion loss
Counselling points for corticosteroids
1) Take with food- reduce GI
2) Take in the morning- Reduce insomnia
3) Do not stop taking abruptly
4) Carry steroid card (if 3 weeks+/high doses)
Glucocorticoid effects
Skin thinning
HTN
Ophthalmic issues
Osteoporosis
Peptic ulcers (GI)
Confusion (PSYCH)
Diabetes/ weight gain
(steroids can often make geeky pharmacists excited)
Gradual withdrawal is required when…
- Rpt courses of treatment
- > 40MG Pred for one week+
- Rpt evening doses of treatment
- Previous long term therapy
- > 3 weeks of treatment
Which steroid has very high mineralocorticoid activity
Fludrocortisone
Which steroid has high mineralocorticoid activity
Hydrocortisone
Also has moderate anti-inflammatory properties
Which steroids have predominately glucocorticoid activity
Prednisolone
Prednisone
Which steroids have very high glucocorticoid activity
Betamethasone
Dexamethasone
Why is pred used often
High glucocorticoid activity makes it useful for long term treatment and as An anti-inflammatory immunosuppressant
What conditions can occur due to long term steroid use especially in elderly
HF
HTN
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Depression
