- 1. Topical corticosteroids
- 2. Oral steroids in tablet
- 3. Injectable corticosteroids
- 4. Inhaled corticosteroids
- 5. Corticosteroids in nasal spray
- 6. Corticosteroids in eye drops
- Possible side effects
- Who should not use
Cortisone, also known as corticosteroid, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which has an anti-inflammatory action, and is therefore widely used in the treatment of chronic problems such as asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cases of transplantation. kidney or dermatological problems, for example.
There are several types of corticosteroids, which are used according to each problem and which include:
1. Topical corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids can be found in cream, ointment, gel or lotion, and are generally used to treat allergic reactions or skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hives or eczema.
Names of remedies: some examples of corticosteroids used on the skin are hydrocortisone, betamethasone, mometasone or dexamethasone.
2. Oral steroids in tablet
Tablets or oral solutions are generally used in the treatment of various endocrine, musculoskeletal, rheumatic, collagen, dermatological, allergic, ophthalmic, respiratory, hematological, neoplastic and other diseases.
Names of remedies: some examples of remedies available in pill are prednisone or deflazacorte.
3. Injectable corticosteroids
Injectable corticosteroids are indicated for the treatment of cases of musculoskeletal disorders, allergic and dermatological conditions, collagen diseases, palliative treatment of malignant tumors, among others.
Names of remedies: some examples of injectable remedies are dexamethasone and betamethasone.
4. Inhaled corticosteroids
Corticosteroids used by inhalation are devices used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory allergies.
Drug names: Some examples of inhaled corticosteroids are fluticasone and budesonide.
5. Corticosteroids in nasal spray
Spray corticosteroids are used to treat rhinitis and severe nasal congestion.
Names of remedies: Some examples of remedies to treat rhinitis and nasal congestion are fluticasone, mometasone.
6. Corticosteroids in eye drops
Corticosteroids in eye drops should be applied to the eye to treat ophthalmic problems, such as conjunctivitis or uveitis, for example, reducing inflammation, irritation and redness.
Drug names: Some examples of corticosteroids in eye drops are prednisolone or dexamethasone.
Possible side effects
Side effects of corticosteroids are more common in cases of prolonged use and include:
- Tiredness and insomnia; Increased blood sugar levels; Changes in the immune system, which may decrease the body's ability to fight infections; Agitation and nervousness; Increased appetite; Poor digestion; Stomach ulcer; Inflammation of the pancreas and esophagus; Allergic reactions Cataracts, increased intraocular pressure and protruding eyes.
Learn about other side effects caused by corticosteroids.
Who should not use
The use of corticosteroids is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to the substance and other components that are present in formulas and in people with systemic fungal infections or uncontrolled infections.
In addition, corticosteroids should be used with caution in people with hypertension, heart failure, renal failure, osteoporosis, epilepsy, gastroduodenal ulcer, diabetes, glaucoma, obesity or psychosis, and should only be used under the doctor's guidance in these cases.
