Steroids: Pharmacology, Difficulties and Practice Delivery Issues

Abstract

Since their identification nearly 80 years ago, steroids have played a prominent role in the treatment of many disease states. Many of the clinical roles of steroids are related to their potent anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Clinically relevant side effects of steroids are common and problematic. Side effects can occur at a wide range of doses and vary depending on the route of administration. The full spectrum of side effects can be present even in patients taking low doses. Practitioners must be aware that these drugs might exacerbate a preexisting condition or present a new medical condition. Knowledge of the clinical implications of prescribing these agents is critical. Steroid withdrawal syndrome can produce a broad array of signs and symptoms, some of which are not well recognized. High fever is among these. Corticosteroids modulate immune function through various effects in the nucleus of numerous cells. When used in pharmacologic doses to suppress allergic responses or inflammation, these agents can cause numerous adverse effects associated with an excess of glucocorticoid activity. Prolonged use (>2 wk) results in suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which requires tapering of doses. Dosing strategies for systemic corticosteroids are designed to minimize the risk for hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. This review summarizes the basic pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues regarding steroids. Keywords: Steroids, Corticosteroids, Adrenal cortex hormones, Glucocorticoids, Medication therapy management, Mineralocorticoids