What are corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are a class of medications that primarily act by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system’s activity.

They are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of hormones like cortisol, which are naturally produced by the adrenal glands located above your kidneys. These hormones are crucial for various bodily functions, including managing stress, reducing inflammation, and regulating the immune system.

Corticosteroids can be prescribed in multiple forms depending on the treatment needs, including tablets, inhalers, injections, eye drops, and creams. The form prescribed often depends on the specific medical condition being treated, with local applications like creams for skin conditions and systemic treatments like pills or injections for conditions affecting the entire body​.

Corticosteroids are highly effective in treating a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and asthma, because they can prevent the immune system from causing damage to the body’s own tissues​.

However, due to their potent effects and the risk of significant side effects, particularly with long-term use, they are typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome​.

Conditions treated by corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are used to manage a wide array of conditions across various fields of medicine:

• Allergic reactions and respiratory disorders: Corticosteroids are essential in treating severe allergic reactions and respiratory issues. They help manage conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These drugs reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing.
• Autoimmune aiseases: Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Corticosteroids are used to control autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by suppressing the immune system’s harmful responses.
• Dermatological conditions: In dermatology, corticosteroids treat various skin conditions characterized by inflammation and overactive immune responses, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. They are commonly prescribed in topical forms like creams and ointments to reduce symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching.
• Endocrine disorders: For individuals with adrenal insufficiency, such as Addison’s disease, corticosteroids replace the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing sufficiently. They are critical in managing the hormonal balance and preventing potential crises​.
• Ophthalmic conditions: Corticosteroids are also used in treating eye inflammations like uveitis, which can cause severe pain and vision problems if not adequately controlled​.
• Rheumatologic conditions: Conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and bones, such as polymyalgia rheumatica and myositis, benefit from corticosteroid treatment, which can significantly reduce inflammation and improve quality of life.
• Organ transplantation: To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ, corticosteroids are administered to suppress the immune system, making them a staple in the post-transplant medication regimen​.
• Neurological conditions: In certain neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, corticosteroids are used to manage acute flares by reducing inflammation around nerves and within the brain.

How do corticosteroids work?

Corticosteroids function primarily by mimicking the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have several key mechanisms of action that contribute to their effectiveness in treating various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions:

• Reducing inflammation: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They work by inhibiting the production and activity of inflammatory chemicals in the body, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By decreasing the number of these chemicals, corticosteroids reduce swelling, redness, and pain in affected tissues.
• Suppressing the immune system: Corticosteroids help modulate the immune system’s response. They achieve this by interfering with the function of white blood cells and other immune system components that are involved in inflammatory and allergic reactions. This suppression helps prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues, which is beneficial in autoimmune diseases.
• Modulating gene expression: At a molecular level, corticosteroids enter cells and bind to specific receptors in the cytoplasm. This receptor-corticosteroid complex then translocates to the cell nucleus, where it influences the expression of certain genes. This action results in reduced production of proteins that promote inflammation and increased production of proteins that inhibit it​.
• Stabilizing cell membranes: Corticosteroids help stabilize cell membranes, particularly in the cells of the blood vessels. This stabilization reduces the leakage of fluid and proteins from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues, which helps control swelling and edema.
• Preventing the release of inflammatory substances: Corticosteroids inhibit the release of substances that are involved in the inflammatory process, such as histamines and cytokines. By blocking these substances, corticosteroids help prevent the cascade of reactions that lead to inflammation and associated symptoms​.

Common corticosteroids

Some of the most commonly used corticosteroids include:

• Prednisone: One of the most widely used oral corticosteroids, prednisone is effective for treating a range of conditions including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. It helps reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system​.
• Hydrocortisone: This corticosteroid is used in both systemic and topical forms. Systemic hydrocortisone is used for conditions like adrenal insufficiency, while topical hydrocortisone is applied to the skin for conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
• Dexamethasone: Known for its potency, dexamethasone is used for treating severe inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer. It is available in oral, injectable, and topical forms.
• Prednisolone: Similar to prednisone, prednisolone is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It is often used in patients who cannot convert prednisone to prednisolone in the liver, such as those with liver disease.
• Methylprednisolone: Available in oral and injectable forms, methylprednisolone is used for treating conditions like severe allergies, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. The injectable form is also used for quick relief of acute inflammatory episodes​.
• Betamethasone: This corticosteroid is used to treat inflammatory and allergic conditions, and it is commonly found in both topical and injectable forms. It is often used in dermatology for skin conditions and in obstetrics for managing certain pregnancy-related conditions​.
• Fluticasone: Often used in inhaled form, fluticasone is a common treatment for asthma and allergic rhinitis. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways and nasal passages.
• Budesonide: This corticosteroid is used in inhaled form for asthma and in oral form for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease. It helps manage chronic inflammation in the affected areas.
• Clobetasol: Known for its potency, clobetasol is used topically to treat severe skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is one of the strongest corticosteroids available for dermatological use.

How can DrHouse help?

With DrHouse, patients can receive online prescriptions and consultations anytime, making healthcare more accessible and efficient. Our platform covers a wide range of conditions, ensuring that individuals have the support they need at their fingertips. Here are some key points about how DrHouse can assist:

• 24/7 availability: Access healthcare providers around the clock, ensuring patients can get the help they need, regardless of the time of day.
• Online prescriptions: Easily obtain prescriptions for medications without the need for in-person visits, enhancing convenience and adherence to treatment plans.
• Wide range of conditions: DrHouse caters to numerous health issues, from minor ailments to chronic conditions, making it a versatile option for patient care.

Benefits of using DrHouse

• Convenience: Access to healthcare from home eliminates travel time and waiting rooms.
• Expert care: Consultations with licensed healthcare professionals who provide tailored advice and treatment.
• Quick response: Fast turnaround times for consultations, allowing for prompt medical care.
• Cost-effective: Competitive pricing compared to traditional healthcare settings, with transparent fees for services.
• Privacy and security: Protects patient information with robust security measures and confidentiality protocols.
• Available in all 50 states: DrHouse is available to patients across the United States, making it a convenient option for individuals in remote or underserved areas.

So don’t wait any longer, sign up with DrHouse today and take control of your healthcare.  DrHouse:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I get a prescription for corticosteroids online?

Yes, if deemed appropriate by the attending physician during your video call. During your consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, they will evaluate your condition and determine if corticosteroids are suitable for your treatment plan. If prescribed, the medication will be sent to your preferred pharmacy for pick-up.

How long does it take to receive a prescription after my consultation? 

It takes around 15 minutes to see a doctor. Right after your visit, if a prescription is deemed necessary, it will be sent directly to your preferred pharmacy for pick-up. This streamlined process ensures that you receive your medications promptly, allowing for a more efficient treatment plan.

Can I get a refill for my corticosteroid prescription online?

Yes, if approved by your doctor. Depending on your condition and the timeframe since your last prescription, the healthcare professional may require additional tests or evaluations before authorizing a refill. This ensures that your treatment plans remain effective and safe, tailored specifically to your ongoing health needs.