Glucocorticoids are a kind of hormones produced as a result of the work of the adrenal cortex. One of the hormones is cortisone, which during the operation of the liver turns into another hormone - hydrocortisone (cortisol). Cortisol is the most famous and important hormone for the human body. Medicines based on these hormones have been used since the 40s of the last century.
Types of synthetic hormones
To date, in addition to natural glucocorticoids, there are a number of drugs, the main ones on synthetic hormones, which are divided into two types:
- fluorinated (dexamethasone, betamethasone, etc.);
- non-fluorinated (prednisone, prednisolone).
They are characterized by higher efficacy when consuming a lower dose. In addition, fluorinated glucocorticoids have the lowest incidence of side effects.
The use of drugs-glucocorticoids
Preparations with the content of glucocorticoids, are used for a fairly large number of serious diseases, tk. have different effects on the body.
Frequent parameters for prescribing drugs of this group are:
- bronchial asthma ;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- leukemia;
- mononucleosis;
- skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema);
- anemia;
- pneumonia;
- allergic diseases;
- pancreatitis;
- hepatitis.
The mechanism of exposure is not fully understood, but the effect of the use of glucocorticoids can be anti-inflammatory, immunoregulating, anti-allergic, anti-shock. Preparations are issued in various forms:
- sprays;
- pills;
- lotions;
- ointments;
- fluid for injection and inhalation.
List of drugs-glucocorticoids
The list of such means is quite extensive. The most famous and effective are:
- Cortisone - participates in substitution therapy;
- Prednisolone - 4 times more effective than Hydrocortisone;
- Prednisone - is not recommended for problems with the liver;
- Methylprednisolone - suitable for the treatment of patients with obesity, mental disorders, ulcers;
- Triamcinolone - has a more prolated effect than prednisolone, with pronounced side effects from the muscles and skin;
- Dexamethasone is an effective preparation for short-term use;
- Betamethasone is the nearest drug to dexamethasone.
Side effects of glucocorticoids
Possessing a number of positive therapeutic properties, glucocorticoids have no less impressive side effects. That is why they are often appointed as short courses or used in especially difficult cases. Preparations of the group of glucocorticoids can cause the following undesirable reactions:
- osteoporosis, femoral head necrosis;
- fragility of bones;
- decreased skin turgor;
- appearance of streaks, thinning, hemorrhages;
- increase in body weight;
- violation of the psychoemotional state;
- diabetes;
- inhibition of puberty;
- disorders of the digestive tract (esophagitis, gastric and intestinal bleeding).
- ophthalmic diseases ( glaucoma , cataract).