Corticosteroids



Corticosteroids







TERMS



  • □ fludrocortisone (Florinef)


  • □ hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone, Solu-Cortef)


  • □ prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone)



QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD

The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroid hormones, which include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. The androgens are discussed in Chapter 61.

The glucocorticoids increase carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. The mineralocorticoids include the steroid hormone aldosterone and affect homeostasis and electrolyte balance. At high levels, the glucocorticosteroid hormones cortisol and hydrocortisone also have mineralocorticoid effects. Systemic glucocorticoids are classified as short acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting.

Adrenal steroid inhibitors suppress or inhibit the function of the adrenal cortex.









Table 51-1 Corticosteroids







































Prototype Drug

Related Drugs

Drug Classification


hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone, Solu-Cortef)

cortisone (Cortone)

Glucocorticoids (Systemic)


Short-acting


glucocorticoid


prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone)

methylprednisolone (A-Methapred, Medrol, Solu-Medrol)

Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid


prednisolone (Articulose, Delta-Cortef)


triamcinolone (Amcort, Kenalog, Aristocort)


There is no prototype for this classification

betamethasone (Celestone)

Long-acting glucocorticoid


budesonide (Entocort EC, Rhinocort)


dexamethasone (Cortastat, Decadron, others)


fludrocortisone (Florinef)


Mineralocorticoid


There is no prototype for this classification

aminoglutethimide (Cytadren)

Adrenal corticosteroid inhibitors



CORTICOSTEROIDS CLIENT TEACHING


Glucocorticosteroids and Mineralocorticosteroids



  • Wear or carry MedicAlert identification.


  • Notify other health care providers, including dentists and specialists, of drug therapy.


  • Continue follow-up care with health care provider. Periodic bloodwork including electrolyte levels is indicated throughout therapy.


  • Restrict sodium intake and eat high potassium foods.



  • Monitor weight daily and report sudden weight gain to health care provider.


  • Do not take over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies without consulting a health care provider.



image Restrict sodium intake and eat high potassium foods.


Glucocorticoids



  • Report symptoms of infection to health care provider.


  • Avoid individuals with infections.


  • Do not receive immunizations while on therapy.


  • Do not take with grapefruit juice.


  • Take drug exactly as prescribed at the same time and do not abruptly stop taking.


  • Take drug with food to minimize gastrointestinal (GI) distress.


  • Avoid alcohol, aspirin, caffeine, or other agents that cause GI bleeding or irritation.


  • A single daily dose is usually taken in the morning.


  • Report changes in mental status including depression or euphoria.


  • Report symptoms of bleeding, abdominal pain, or visual changes.



image Report symptoms of infection to health care provider.



image Do not receive immunizations while on therapy.



image Report changes in mental status including depression or euphoria.


Topical Glucocorticoids



  • Take triamcinolone (Amcort, Aristocort, Kenalog), betamethasone (Celastone), and dexamethasone (Decadron) exactly as directed. Apply to a clean and dry area.


  • Apply sparingly.


Intra-Arterial Injection

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Oct 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Corticosteroids

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