Pain, muscles and bones
Corticosteroids
Used for
Inflammation: asthma flares, allergies, rashes, arthritis
How it works
Copy cortisol, the body's own anti-inflammatory hormone. They come as tablets, inhalers, nose sprays, creams and shots.
Watch for
Long courses are tapered, not stopped suddenly. Can raise blood sugar.
- Name clue
- -sone or -olone
- Examples
- prednisone
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- hydrocortisone
- fluticasone (Flonase)
More in pain, muscles and bones
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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