7. Metabolic changes include moon face, buffalo hump, truncal obesity, weight gain, and muscle wasting.
Corticosteroids decrease resistance to infection. They also delay healing and mask the symptoms of
infection.
Corticosteroids stimulate the increase in the production of stomach acid and pepsin. As a result, they can
cause ulcers.
Corticosteroids can cause premature closure of the growth plates and can delay or stop growth in
children.
They can also cause osteoporosis.
Corticosteroids increase intraocular pressure and can exacerbate glaucoma.
Some glucocorticosteroids can cause sodium and water retention and can cause hypertension.
Adrenal suppression can occur with long-term use and cause adrenal crisis. Adrenal crisis is
characterized by weakness, syncope, cardiovascular collapse and death.
8. USES
Allergy and respirology medicine
Dermatology
Endocrinology (usually at physiologic doses)
Gastroenterology
Hematology