Corticosteroids (Systemic)

Uses

Corticosteroid medications — including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone — are used to treat a variety of conditions, from rashes to lupus to asthma.

Corticosteroids are drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that your adrenal glands produce naturally. Corticosteroids are also referred to as \"steroids,\" but should not be confused with the male hormone-related steroid compounds that some athletes abuse. Corticosteroids include medications such as cortisone, methylprednisolone, and the most commonly used prednisone, which is used to treat certain rheumatologic diseases.

Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system, reducing skin damage. Low doses of steroids might provide significant relief from pain and stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Other skin conditions treated with steroids include pemphigus and pemphigoid, and severe forms of dermatitis.

Dosage

Corticosteroids can be taken by mouth, by inhaler and intranasal spray, by injection, or topically (see Corticosteroids (topical)). You can receive low, medium, or high doses, depending upon the condition being treated.

Side Effects

Corticosteroids carry a risk of side effects. Some side effects can cause serious health problems. However, side effects are minimal with short-term use of Corticosteroids (less than a month). Long-term use for more serious conditions, however, runs a higher risk of side effects, which may include increased appetite, weight gain, sudden mood swings, muscle weakness, blurred vision, increased growth of body hair, easy bruising, lower resistance to infection, swollen face, acne, Osteoporosis, high blood pressure, stomach irritation, nervousness, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, cataracts or glaucom, and water retention.

Additionally, injected corticosteroids can cause side effects near the site of the injection, which may include pain, infection, shrinking of soft tissue and loss of color in the skin.

Notes of Precaution

There are a number of precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of side effects, including:

- The use steroids only when necessary.
- The use of local steroids for local problems.
- Use the smallest amount to gain control of the disease.
- Reduce the dose gradually as long as the disease remains under control.
- Monitor blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar.
- Prescribe calcium supplements to help maintain bone density.",1,NULL,"corticosteroids-systemic",NULL,0,2,NULL 725,"Colchicine","Uses

Colchicine is used primarily to treat the gout, but its effectiveness has been demonstrated in treating certain dermatological conditions, as well.

Colchicine, made from Autumn Crocus, is used primarily to treat gout, but because of its immunological and anti-inflammatory properties, it's also used to treat certain skin diseases, including Amyloidosis, Behcet disease, Psoriasis, Sweet Disease, Recurrent aphthous ulcers, linear IgA dermatosis, acquired epidermolysis bullosa, vasculitis, morphoea and dermatomyositis.

Dosing

Dosage varies from .5 mg to 3 mg a day, depending on what dermatological condition Colchicine is being used to treat.

Side Effects

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are common side effects, and are more common and severe the higher the dose. Higher doses may result in agranulocytosis, Peripheral neuritis, bleeding into the skin, weak muscles, loss of hair, and loss of sperm reproduction. The toxicity level is quite high (and has been compared to arsenic). In very high doses, it can result in include burning in the mouth and throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and kidney and/or multiple organ failure.

Notes of Precaution

Overdosing on Colchicine can be fatal. If gastrointestinal problems occur, discontinue immediately.

Colchicine should be kept at room temperature and away from children.

Notify your doctor if your allergic to any medications, including Colchicine.

* Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant.