• Introduction 

• Illustrated mechanism of action 

• Examples of Medication Brand Names (with Images)

• Indication

• Side Effects 

• Precautions & Contraindications 

• Monographs

• Reference 

Introduction : 

Systemic corticosteroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal cortex. They’re used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in a variety of conditions.

Illustrated Mechanism of Action:

Corticosteroids bind to :

Glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm → complex translocates to the nucleus

 → modifies transcription of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive genes 

→ inhibits inflammatory cytokines (like IL-1, TNF-alpha) → ↓ inflammation, immune response.

Examples of Medication Brand Names:

 Indication

Systemic corticosteroids are used to treat:

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

• Allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, severe asthma)

• Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)

• Replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s disease)

• Certain cancers (as part of chemotherapy protocols)

Precautions & Contraindications

Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with diabetes, hypertension, infections, or peptic ulcer.

     • Taper dose gradually to avoid adrenal insufficiency.

Contraindications:

     • Systemic fungal infections

     • Hypersensitivity to corticosteroids

Monographs:

References:

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/systemic-steroids

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/corticosteroids-glucocorticoids

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/corticosteroid

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00860

https://www.drugs.com/monograph/prednisone.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554612/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9797677/

https://www.drugs.com/monograph/prednisone.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=mechanism+of+action+of+systemic+corticosteroids

https://asthma.org.au/medicines/oral-corticosteroids/