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Corticosteroids - topical (skin), nose, and eyes - Background information
What are corticosteroids?
- Corticosteroids are synthetic analogues of the natural hormones that are produced by the adrenal cortex.
- Like the natural hormones, synthetic corticosteroids can have glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid properties.
- The glucocorticoid properties are anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-proliferative, and vasoconstrictive. The glucocorticoid properties also support a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic functions, and help the body adjust to physical stress.
- The mineralocorticoid properties include the regulation of electrolytes and water balance, by promoting sodium retention by the kidneys.
- Different corticosteroids have varying ratios of mineralocorticoid to glucocorticoid properties. The ratio determines the corticosteroid's efficacy and therapeutic use.
- Corticosteroids can be administered systemically (orally and parenterally) or locally (topically to the skin, nose and eyes; by inhalation; rectally and by intra-articular injection).
[Walker and Edwards, 1999; Rang et al, 2007]
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