Last Updated on July 17, 2023

Corticosteroids are a type of medication that is commonly used to treat inflammation in the body. But, what are corticosteroids and how do they work?

In this article, we will explore the uses, types, risks, and side effects of corticosteroids to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

What Are Corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids, often referred to as steroids, are a class of steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the adrenal glands and can also be created synthetically for medical purposes. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including immune system regulation, stress response, and inflammation control. In medicine, corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity for certain conditions.

What type of drugs are corticosteroids? Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs.

How Do Steroids Work?

Corticosteroids work by mimicking the action of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and inflammation. They suppress the immune system and decrease the production of inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing inflammation and its associated symptoms.

Additionally, corticosteroids alter the function of white blood cells, limiting their ability to travel to the site of inflammation and further decreasing the inflammatory response.

Uses of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids have various medical applications due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

  • Inflammation: They are used to treat conditions involving inflammation, such as arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis.
  • Allergies: Corticosteroids help alleviate severe allergic reactions by reducing inflammation and immune system activity.
  • Asthma: They can manage asthma symptoms by decreasing airway inflammation and preventing asthma attacks.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Corticosteroids are prescribed for autoimmune diseases, like lupus and multiple sclerosis, to suppress the overactive immune system.
  • Cancer: In cancer treatment, corticosteroids reduce inflammation around tumors and decrease certain side effects of chemotherapy.

Types of Corticosteroids

There are two main types (or classes) of corticosteroids:

  • Glucocorticoids: These steroids regulate glucose metabolism, suppress inflammation, and modulate immune system activity. They include hormones like cortisol, and synthetic versions like prednisone and dexamethasone are commonly prescribed.
  • Mineralocorticoids: These steroids regulate salt and water balance in the body. Aldosterone is the primary hormone in this category, and it helps control blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Most Common Corticosteroids

The most common corticosteroids include:

  • Cortisone: A naturally occurring corticosteroid hormone, used to treat inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.
  • Prednisone: A synthetic corticosteroid, commonly prescribed to treat allergies, autoimmune disorders, and inflammation.
  • Prednisolone: A derivative of prednisone, used to treat similar conditions such as allergies, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.
  • Methylprednisolone: Another synthetic corticosteroid, often prescribed for treating inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.
  • Dexamethasone: A potent corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, used for severe conditions like cerebral edema and some cancers.
  • Betamethasone: A corticosteroid used to treat various skin disorders, allergic reactions, and inflammation.
  • Hydrocortisone: A mild corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory skin conditions and allergies.

How Are Steroids Given?

Steroids can be administered in various forms, including:

  • Oral: Tablets or liquid medicines taken by mouth.
  • Injectable: Injections into muscles, joints, or veins.
  • Topical: Creams, gels, or ointments applied to the skin.
  • Inhalation: Inhaled via nasal sprays or inhalers for respiratory conditions.
  • Eye drops or ointments: Applied directly to the eyes for ocular inflammation.

Risks of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, while effective in treating various health conditions, also carry some risks, particularly when used for prolonged periods or at high doses.

Short-Term Risks

  • Increased blood sugar: Corticosteroids may temporarily raise blood sugar levels, posing a concern for diabetics.
  • Fluid retention: They can cause water and sodium retention, leading to swelling and weight gain.
  • Mood changes: Patients may experience mood swings, irritability, or even depressive symptoms.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty in falling or staying asleep can occur with corticosteroid use.
  • Elevated blood pressure: Hypertension can be a short-term side effect in some individuals.

Long-Term Risks:

  • Osteoporosis: Prolonged corticosteroid use can result in bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures.
  • Cataracts: Long-term use may contribute to the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens.
  • Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure can lead to glaucoma and potential vision loss over time.
  • Muscle weakness: Chronic corticosteroid use can cause muscle atrophy and weakness.
  • Adrenal suppression: Extended use can suppress the adrenal glands’ natural hormone production, leading to complications if medication is stopped abruptly.
  • Increased susceptibility to infections: Since corticosteroids suppress the immune system, the risk of infections may rise with long-term use.

Side Effects of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can cause various side effects, depending on the method of administration, dosage, and duration of use.

Steroid Inhalers

  • Oral thrush: A fungal infection in the mouth, characterized by white patches and soreness.
  • Hoarseness: Temporary changes in voice quality, such as a raspy or strained tone.
  • Cough: Some individuals may experience a cough as a reaction to the inhaler.
  • Sore throat: Inhalers can cause throat irritation and discomfort.

Steroid Injections

  • Pain at the injection site: Some pain, swelling, or redness may occur at the site of the injection.
  • Infection: There’s a small risk of infection at the injection site.
  • Tendon rupture: Rarely, steroid injections near tendons can weaken them, leading to a rupture.
  • Skin discoloration: Some people may experience a change in skin color around the injection site.

Steroid Tablets

  • Fluid retention: Weight gain and swelling due to water and sodium retention.
  • Increased appetite: Steroid tablets can cause an increase in hunger, potentially leading to weight gain.
  • Mood changes: Patients may experience mood swings, irritability, or even depressive symptoms.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty in falling or staying asleep can occur with corticosteroid use.
  • Elevated blood pressure: Hypertension can be a side effect in some individuals.
  • Increased susceptibility to infections: Steroid tablets suppress the immune system, which may increase the risk of infections.

Corticosteroid Drug Interactions

Corticosteroids can interact with various medications. This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with steroids. However, some common categories and their interactions include:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when taken with corticosteroids.

  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin)

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants’ blood-thinning effect can be altered when used with corticosteroids, increasing the risk of bleeding.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

Diuretics

Corticosteroids may cause water and sodium retention, reducing the effectiveness of diuretics.

  • Furosemide (Lasix)
  • Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Antifungal Medications

Some antifungal drugs can increase corticosteroid levels in the body, potentially leading to more side effects.

  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants can decrease the effectiveness of corticosteroids by increasing their metabolism.

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Who Should Not Take Corticosteroids?

Certain individuals should avoid taking corticosteroids or use them with caution due to potential health risks.

  • People with active infections, particularly systemic fungal infections, should not take corticosteroids as they can suppress the immune system and worsen the infection.
  • Those with a history of severe allergic reactions to corticosteroids or their ingredients should also avoid them.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use corticosteroids only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as these drugs can cross the placenta and be excreted in breast milk, possibly affecting the fetus or newborn.
  • Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal ulcers, or mental health disorders like depression or psychosis should consult their healthcare provider before using corticosteroids, as these medications may exacerbate existing conditions.

Best Practices for Taking Corticosteroids

When taking corticosteroids, it is essential to follow best practices to maximize their effectiveness and minimize potential side effects:

  • Follow the prescription: Always adhere to the dosage and duration prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure the corticosteroids are effective and to minimize side effects.
  • Take with food: To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, consume corticosteroids with meals or snacks.
  • Monitor side effects: Be aware of potential side effects and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
  • Gradual tapering: Do not abruptly stop taking corticosteroids, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on gradually tapering the dose.
  • Regular check-ups: Attend scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan.
  • Avoid infections: Since corticosteroids can weaken your immune system, practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with people who have contagious illnesses.
  • Inform other healthcare providers: Let your other healthcare providers know that you are taking corticosteroids, as they can interact with other medications and affect medical procedures.

Reducing Inflammation Naturally

If you’re looking for natural remedies for inflammation and natural pain relief, implementing changes to your diet and lifestyle can have a significant impact. Here are some ways to reduce inflammation in your body:

  • Reduce intake of inflammatory foods: Cut back on foods that cause inflammation, such as processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, to reduce the overall inflammatory load on your body.
  • Start an anti-inflammatory diet: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids) to support your body’s natural inflammation-fighting mechanisms.
  • Manage lifestyle factors: Focus on stress reduction, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough sleep to help your body manage inflammation more effectively.
  • Take dietary supplements: Consider incorporating anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric (curcumin) and ginger to help support your body’s efforts to reduce inflammation.

To expand on supplements, it can be a struggle to figure out which products work without hours of research. Here are three proven natural anti-inflammatory supplements that can help reduce swelling and pain in the body.

Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, contains an active compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin helps lower inflammation by inhibiting the activity of key inflammatory enzymes and molecules, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cytokines.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to its acetic acid content and other beneficial compounds. These components help balance the body’s pH levels, promoting a more alkaline environment that can reduce inflammation.

Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, leading to a decrease in inflammation.

Corticosteroids (Steroids): Final Thoughts

Corticosteroids are a class of powerful drugs used to treat a variety of medical conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They come in various forms and can be administered in different ways, including injections, oral pills, topical creams, and inhalers.

While corticosteroids can be effective in treating many health conditions, their use also carries some risks and potential side effects, which should be carefully considered and monitored by healthcare professionals.