Entocort Side Effects
Entocort side effects and drug information Entocort is a generic name of Budesonide, and it is utilized to cure mild to moderate present Crohn’s disease – a type of inflammatory
Helen Scholz
Read all about
glucocorticoids
What is glucocorticoids ?
Inflammation commonly happens with various health conditions. For inflammation due to immune system disorders, Glucocorticoids are effective treatments most prescribed by doctors. These medicines can also be used for other conditions. And similar to other drugs, they also have side effects which can be serious especially when patients have been using it for long-term.
More information
What are Glucocorticoids?
These medications are manufactured versions of the steroid glucocorticoids, which are actually produced by the body. One of its main functions is to disrupt inflammation by filling into cells and stopping the proteins that promote inflammation. Likewise, it assists the body’s natural response to stress and regulates the body’s usage of sugar and fat.
Because it has several functions, synthetic or man-made glucocorticoids are manufactured to help in the treatment of different health conditions. Here are the common types of glucocorticoids:
- Prednisone and dexamethasone – these are oral medications for treating asthma, allergies, vision problems, arthritis, and others.
- Cortisone – this is an injection shot that is usually given to ease inflammation in the joints.
- Budesonide – this is an oral medication for treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as other autoimmune conditions affecting the digestive tract.
- Triamcinolone – manufactured in cream form to treat various skin conditions.
Some examples of available Glucocorticoid drugs include hydrocortisone, betamethasone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone.
What Glucocorticoids Treat?
Synthetic versions of the naturally occurring glucocorticoids are more potent and are used to treat various conditions. Here are some of the illnesses that can be treated using this medication.
Autoimmune Diseases
When a person has this condition, the body can be severely damaged due to inflammation caused by the body’s attack on itself. Some examples of this condition are ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Using this medication can lessen the activity of the immune cells and reduce internal damages. It also helps suppress inflammation, reduce pain, itching, and cramping due to autoimmune reactions.
Asthma and Allergies
These conditions happen when the body reacts to substances that are normally harmless. It can be anything from pollen to peanuts and it can lead to an aggressive inflammatory reaction. Common allergy symptoms are lightheadedness, itching, sneezing, stuffy nose, redness, rash, and others. The use of glucocorticoids will help stop the inflammation and calm the activity of the immune cell, thereby treating the overreaction of the immune system.
Adrenal Insufficiency
People with this type of condition does not produce adequate amounts of cortisol. It can lead to Addison’s disease or in severe cases, the surgical removal of the adrenal gland. Using glucocorticoids helps replace cortisol that the body can no longer produce.
Skin Conditions
Glucocorticoids can treat various skin conditions from eczema to poison ivy poisoning. You can buy over the counter or prescription topical medications that you can use on the skin. There are also some of these drugs that can be taken orally to improve skin condition.
Organ Transplant Surgeries
Another use of glucocorticoids is its benefit during sensitive neurosurgery. It helps lessen inflammation in delicate areas. It may also be used soon after an organ transplant to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new donor organ.