CORTICOSTEROIDS(aka glucocorticosteroids/steroids) class of chemicals that includes steroid hormones naturally produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates.adrenal cortexvertebrates. effects----- stress response, immune response, andstress responseimmune response regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism,inflammationcarbohydratemetabolism proteinprotein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.catabolism 1---glucocorticosteroids(cortisol) controls carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, and are anti-inflammatory. 2--mineralcorticosteroid(aldosterone) control electrolyte and water levels, mainly by promoting sodium retention in the kidney MOA---work on nasal passage epithelial cells and immune system cells. GCS enters the cell, binds to receptor. this complex binds to protein AP1(activating protein1). This inhibits cell response to inflammation. It will then move into nucleus, binds to DNA, yields reduced cytokines and increases antiinflammatory proteins.

CORTICOSTEROIDS(aka glucocorticosteroids/steroids) corticosteroids may inhibit release of arachidonic acid. indications---inflammation,asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, Addison's disease(disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones, yields weight loss, weakness, hyperpigmentation,joint pain, low sodium/glucose ) reactions---Cushing syndrome=(signs and symptoms associated with prolonged exposure to inappropriately high levels of the hormone cortisol. This can be caused by taking glucocorticoidcortisolglucocorticoid drugs, or diseases that result in excess cortisol. This yields buffalo hump, weight gain, moon face, mood change, acne, reduced wound healing, easy bruising. Other reactions---osteoporosis,retinopathy, hypokalemia, decreased wound healing,hypertension cataracts/glaucoma, fat deposits, hirsutism, reduced WBC, candidiasis, birth defect, moody, peptic ulcer, hypertension.

CORTICOSTEROIDS(aka glucocorticosteroids/steroids) examples---- dexamethasone/Decadron cortisone/Cortone hydrocortisone/Hydrocortisone methylprednisone/Medrol prednisolone/Pediapred prednisone/Deltasone Triamcinolone/Arisrtocort consider-- it may take a while to find a dose high enough to control your symptoms but low enough to prevent some or all of the unpleasant side effects. oral corticosteroids should not last for more than three weeks to avoid withdrawal problems. lumbar ESI---corticosteroid mixed with lidocaine facet injection---or other joint yields bone degeneration, ligament tear.