Corticosteroids: General Knowledge for All Healthcare Professionals-Updated Review

Abstract

Background: Corticosteroids are synthetic analogs of adrenal steroid hormones with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, widely used across medical specialties. Their therapeutic applications span endocrine disorders, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune diseases, but their use is complicated by significant adverse effects.

Aim: This review synthesizes current knowledge on corticosteroid pharmacology, clinical applications, adverse effects, contraindications, and monitoring strategies to guide healthcare professionals in optimizing therapy while minimizing risks.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and pharmacological data on corticosteroid mechanisms, administration routes, toxicity profiles, and monitoring protocols.

Results: Corticosteroids exert effects via genomic and non-genomic pathways, with routes of administration tailored to clinical needs (oral, parenteral, inhaled, topical). Adverse effects—including osteoporosis, HPA axis suppression, diabetes, myopathy, and psychiatric disturbances—are dose- and duration-dependent. Contraindications include systemic fungal infections, uncontrolled diabetes, and live vaccine coadministration. Monitoring requires baseline and periodic assessments of bone density, glucose, adrenal function, and cardiovascular health. Interprofessional collaboration is critical to mitigate risks.

Conclusion: While indispensable in modern medicine, corticosteroids demand judicious use, patient education, and vigilant monitoring to balance efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on safer alternatives and personalized dosing strategies.