Medicines that are similar to the natural hormone Cortisone and belong to
the family of drugs called Steroids.
Purpose
Corticosteroids are used in several forms, to treat many different
conditions. Because they reduce itching, swelling, redness, and allergic
reactions, they are often used in treating skin problems, severe allergies,
Asthma and Arthritis. These drugs also suppress the body's immune response,
so they are used in patients who have received organ transplants, to reduce
the chance of rejection. In people whose bodies do not produce enough
natural corticosteroids, the drugs can raise the levels of those hormones.
Corticosteroids also are used to treat certain cancers (along with other
drugs), and to reduce inflammation in other medical conditions.
Description
Corticosteroids are medicines that are similar to the natural hormone
cortisone. They affect many body processes, including the breakdown of
protein, fat, and carbohydrate; the activity of the nervous system; the
balance of salt and water; and the regulation of blood pressure. Because of
their widespread effects, these drugs are useful in treating many medical
conditions, but they can also have undesirable side effects.
These medicines come in a variety of forms, suitable for treating different
conditions. For example, Inhalant Corticosteroids are used to prevent asthma
attacks, while Corticosteroid ointments, creams and gels are used to treat
skin problems. Some examples of Corticosteroids are Beclomethasone
(Beconase, Vancenase, Vanceril), Betamethasone (Diprolene, Lotrisone),
Hydrocortisone, Mometasone (Elocon), Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), and
Triamcinolone (Azmacort, Nasacort).