Overview of Discussion-
Anti-rheumatoid drugs
Classification of anti-rheumatoid drugs
Pharmacology of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Pharmacology of adjuvant drugs
Hypolipidemic agents, also known as cholesterol-lowering drugs or antihyperlipidemic agents, are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals that are used in the treatment of high levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol, in the blood (hyperlipidemia). They are also called lipid-lowering drugs.
Dr. Jibachha Sah,M.V.Sc( Veterinary pharmacology, TU,Nepal),posted lecturer notes on AUTONOMIC AND SYSTEMIC PHARMACOLOGY for B.V.Sc & A.H. 6 th semester veterinary students of College of veterinary science,Nepal Polytechnique Institute, Bharatpur, Bhojard, Chitwan, Nepal.I hope this lecture notes may be beneficial for other Nepalese veterinary students. Please send your comment and suggestion .Email:jibachhashah@gmail.com,moble,00977-9845024121
Introduction.
Causes of Erectile dysfunction
Drugs used for Erectile dysfunction
Mechanism of action .
Structure
Adverse Drug Reactions .
Uses.
Reference
Hypolipidemic agents, also known as cholesterol-lowering drugs or antihyperlipidemic agents, are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals that are used in the treatment of high levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol, in the blood (hyperlipidemia). They are also called lipid-lowering drugs.
Dr. Jibachha Sah,M.V.Sc( Veterinary pharmacology, TU,Nepal),posted lecturer notes on AUTONOMIC AND SYSTEMIC PHARMACOLOGY for B.V.Sc & A.H. 6 th semester veterinary students of College of veterinary science,Nepal Polytechnique Institute, Bharatpur, Bhojard, Chitwan, Nepal.I hope this lecture notes may be beneficial for other Nepalese veterinary students. Please send your comment and suggestion .Email:jibachhashah@gmail.com,moble,00977-9845024121
Introduction.
Causes of Erectile dysfunction
Drugs used for Erectile dysfunction
Mechanism of action .
Structure
Adverse Drug Reactions .
Uses.
Reference
5-Hydroxytryptamine & it’s Antagonist is a Topic in Pharmacology which will defiantly Help You in pharmacy field All information is related to pharmacology drug acting and it's effect on body. it is collage project given by our department i would like to share with you.
A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood
to meet the metabolic demand of the body and also unable to receive it back because every time after a systole.
Introduction.
Biosynthesis
Types of Thyroid diseases
Thyroid Drugs
Antithyroid Drugs
Mechanism of action
Structure
Adverse Drug Reactions and Uses.
Reference
Medicinal chemistry 5 semester all synthesis Anjali Bhardwaj
Learn All
Medicinal Chemistry synthesis of
B.Pharmacy 5th Semester
As per PCI Syllabus
List Of Drug synthesis as per PCI Syllabus for B.Pharmacy 5th Semester
-Diphenhydramine hydrochloride -Furosemide
-Triprolidine hydrochloride -Methyldopate hydrochloride
-Promethazine hydrochloride -Disopyramide phosphate
-Cimetidine -Warfarin
-Meclorethamine -Tolbutamide
-Mercaptopurine -Benzocaine
-Methotrexate -Procaine
-Nitroglycerin -Dibucaine
-Isosorbide dinitrite
-Acetazolamide
-Chlorthiazide
Introduction.
Classification .
Drugs used in Coagulant and Anticoagulant Agents
Mechanism of action .
Structure
Synthesis
Adverse Drug Reactions .
Uses.
Reference
This presentation highlights on the introduction, classification, structures, SAR and mechanism of action of different Diuretics. Pharmacy students will be benefited by this content.
DMARDs and biologics have made a huge difference in the lives of people with RA and other rheumatologic disorders. Biologics era was showed+ in the year 1998 with the FDA approval of TNF antagonist and etanercept. Biologics bring the disease under control in 4–6 weeks compared to 3–6 months taken by traditional DMARDs.
5-Hydroxytryptamine & it’s Antagonist is a Topic in Pharmacology which will defiantly Help You in pharmacy field All information is related to pharmacology drug acting and it's effect on body. it is collage project given by our department i would like to share with you.
A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood
to meet the metabolic demand of the body and also unable to receive it back because every time after a systole.
Introduction.
Biosynthesis
Types of Thyroid diseases
Thyroid Drugs
Antithyroid Drugs
Mechanism of action
Structure
Adverse Drug Reactions and Uses.
Reference
Medicinal chemistry 5 semester all synthesis Anjali Bhardwaj
Learn All
Medicinal Chemistry synthesis of
B.Pharmacy 5th Semester
As per PCI Syllabus
List Of Drug synthesis as per PCI Syllabus for B.Pharmacy 5th Semester
-Diphenhydramine hydrochloride -Furosemide
-Triprolidine hydrochloride -Methyldopate hydrochloride
-Promethazine hydrochloride -Disopyramide phosphate
-Cimetidine -Warfarin
-Meclorethamine -Tolbutamide
-Mercaptopurine -Benzocaine
-Methotrexate -Procaine
-Nitroglycerin -Dibucaine
-Isosorbide dinitrite
-Acetazolamide
-Chlorthiazide
Introduction.
Classification .
Drugs used in Coagulant and Anticoagulant Agents
Mechanism of action .
Structure
Synthesis
Adverse Drug Reactions .
Uses.
Reference
This presentation highlights on the introduction, classification, structures, SAR and mechanism of action of different Diuretics. Pharmacy students will be benefited by this content.
DMARDs and biologics have made a huge difference in the lives of people with RA and other rheumatologic disorders. Biologics era was showed+ in the year 1998 with the FDA approval of TNF antagonist and etanercept. Biologics bring the disease under control in 4–6 weeks compared to 3–6 months taken by traditional DMARDs.
The current presentation include the pharmacotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The definition, classification, mechanism of action of drugs, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, contraindications and uses.
Overview of Discussion-
Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS)
a) Circulating renin-angiotensin system
b)Tissue (local) renin-angiotensin systems
c)Alternative (ACE-independent) pathway
Other angiotensin peptides
Angiotensin receptors and transducer mechanisms
Actions of angiotensins
Pathophysiological roles of angiotensins
Inhibition of renin-angiotensin system
Overview of Discussion
Introduction
Which are the features of inflammation…?
Functional importance of eicosanoids and other chemical mediators
Pharmacological/physiological effects of inflammatory mediators
How PGs produce PAIN?
How PGs produces FEVER?
How PGs produces INFLAMMATION?
About NSAIDs...
Classification of NSAIDs
Mechanism of Action: NSAIDs
Pharmacology of Individual Class of NSAIDs
Choice of NSAIDs
Analgesic combinations
Overview of Discussion-
About Substance P (SP)
Discovery of SP
SP Receptor
Functions mediated by SP
Clinical significance of the SP-NK1R
NK1 receptor antagonists
Overview of Discussion
About Plasma Kinins
Generation and metabolism
Kinin receptors
Actions of kinins
Pathophysiological roles of kinins
Bradykinin antagonists
Overview of Discussion-
What is Serotonin?
Physiologic Distribution of Serotonin
Synthesis, Storage and Destruction
Biosynthesis of 5HT compared to CAs
Serotonin Uptake
5-HT Receptors
Actions
Pathophysiological Roles
Use
Drugs Affecting 5-HT System
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
1. Mr. Vishal Balakrushna Jadhav
Assistant Professor (Pharmacology)
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sandip University, Nashik
1
2. Anti-rheumatoid drugs
Classification of anti-rheumatoid drugs
Pharmacology of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Pharmacology of adjuvant drugs
2
3. Drugs (except corticosteroids) which suppress the rheumatoid
process, bring about a remission and retard disease progression,
but do not have nonspecific antiinflammatory or analgesic action.
Used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in addition to NSAIDs and are also
referred to as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
or slow acting antirheumatic drugs (SAARDs).
The onset of benefit with DMARDs takes a few months of regular
treatment and relapse occur a few months after cessation of
therapy.
Recently, some biological agents (antibodies and other proteins)
have been added for resistant cases.
3
4. 4
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) → An autoimmune disease characterized by joint
inflammation, synovial proliferation and destruction of articular cartilage.
IgM immune complexes
HOW???
Activation of complement and release of cytokines
(mainly TNFα and IL-1)
Neutrophils Chemotaxis
Secretion of lysosomal enzymes from neutrophils
→ cartilage damage and bone erosion
PGs produced in the process →
vasodilatation and pain
RA is a chronic progressive, crippling
disorder with a waxing and waning
course.
NSAIDs are the first line drugs and
afford symptomatic relief in pain,
swelling, morning stiffness, immobility,
but do not arrest the disease process.
Goals of drug therapy in RA are →
Ameliorate pain, swelling and joint
stiffness.
Prevent articular cartilage damage and
bony erosions.
Prevent deformity and preserve joint
function.
5. I. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
A. Nonbiological drugs
1. Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine
2. Sulfasalazine
3. Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine
4. Leflunomide
B. Biological agents
1. TNFα inhibitors: Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab
2. IL-1 antagonist: Anakinra
II. Adjuvant drugs
Corticosteroids: Prednisolone and others.
(Gold and penicillamine are obsolete DMARDs).
5
6. 1. Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine
6
Methotrexate (Mtx)
Dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, immunosuppressant and antiinflammatory.
Inhibition of cytokine production, chemotaxis and cell-mediated immune reaction →
afford benefits in RA.
Administration of oral low-dose (7.5–15 mg) weekly Mtx regimen → improvement of
RA patients acceptability.
Relatively rapid (4–6 weeks) onset of symptom relief → preferred for initial
treatment.
Mtx is now the DMARD of first choice for most patients of RA including cases of
juvenile RA.
Response is more predictable and sustained over long-term.
Combination regimens of 2 or 3 DMARDs include Mtx.
7. Pharmacokinetics Oral bioavailability of Mtx is variable and may be affected by food.
Its excretion is delayed in renal disease: not recommended for such patients.
Interaction Probenecid and aspirin increase Mtx levels and toxicity.
Combination of trimethoprim + Mtx → additive inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase →
bone marrow depression.
Adverse effects Oral ulceration and g.i. upset are the major side effects of low dose Mtx
regimen. With prolonged therapy, dose dependent progressive liver damage leading
to cirrhosis occurs in some patients (this is not seen with short courses used in
cancer). Incidence of chest infection is increased.
Contraindication Pregnancy, breast-feeding, liver disease, active infection, leucopenia
and peptic ulcer.
Marketed preparations NEOTREXATE, BIOTREXATE 2.5 mg tab.
7
8. Azathioprine
Purine synthase inhibitor acts after getting converted to 6-mercaptopurine by the
enzyme thiopurine methyl transferase (TPMT).
A potent suppressant of cell-mediated immunity → selectively affect differentiation and
function of T-cells and natural killer cells.
Suppresses inflammation.
Remission is induced in smaller percentage of RA patients → hence less commonly used.
Given along with corticosteroids → a steroid sparing effect, for which it is primarily used
now, especially in cases with systemic manifestations.
Not combined with Mtx.
Dose 50–150 mg/day; IMURAN 50 mg tab.
Marketed preparations IMURAN 50 mg tab.
8
Other immunosuppresants like cyclosporine,
chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide are rarely used
in RA; are reserved for cases not responding to
other DMARDs.
9. 2. Sulfasalazine
9
A compound of sulfapyridine and 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) → exerts antiinflammatory
activity in the bowel and is useful in ulcerative colitis.
Suppresses the disease in significant number of RA patients → mechanism of action is not
known.
Sulfapyridine split off in the colon by bacterial action and absorbed systemically as an active
moiety (contrast ulcerative colitis, in which 5-ASA acting locally in the colon as an active
component).
Generation of superoxide radicals and cytokine secretion by inflammatory cells may be
suppressed.
Efficacy of sulfasalazine in RA is modest and side effects may be unpleasant→
neutropenia/thrombocytopenia occurs in about 10% patients and hepatitis is possible.
It is used as a second line drug for milder cases or is combined with Mtx.
Dose 1–3 g/day in 2–3 divided doses.
Marketed preparations SALAZOPYRIN, SAZO-EN 0.5 g tab.
10. 3. Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine
10
Antimalarial drugs found to induce remission in upto 50% patients of RA, but take 3–6 months.
Advantage → relatively low toxicity, but efficacy is also low; bony erosions are not prevented.
Mechanism of action is not known, however, reduce monocyte IL–I, consequently inhibiting B
lymphocytes. Antigen processing may be interfered. Lysosomal stabilization and free radical
scavenging are the other proposed mechanisms.
Adverse effects For RA, these drugs have to be given for long periods → accumulate in tissues
(especially melanin containing tissue) and produce toxicity, most disturbing of which is retinal
damage and corneal opacity. This is less common and reversible in case of hydroxychloroquine,
which is preferred over chloroquine. Other adverse effects are rashes, graying of hair, irritable
bowel syndrome, myopathy and neuropathy.
Use Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine are employed in milder non-erosive disease, especially
when only one or a few joints are involved, or they are combined with Mtx/sulfasalazine.
Dose Chloroquine 150 mg (base) per day. Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day for 4–6 weeks,
followed by 200 mg/day for maintenance.
Marketed preparations ZHQUINE, ZYQ 200 mg tab.
11. 4. Leflunomide
11
An immunomodulator inhibits proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes in patients with active
RA → suppresses arthritic symptoms and retards radiological progression of disease.
In clinical trials its efficacy has been rated comparable to Mtx and onset of benefit is as fast
(4 weeks).
Rapidly converted in the body to an active metabolite teriflunomide which inhibits
dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and pyrimidine synthesis in actively dividing cells.
Antibody production by B-cells may be depressed.
The active metabolite has a long t½ of 2–3 weeks; leflunomide, therefore, is given in a loading
dose of 100 mg daily for 3 days followed by 20 mg OD.
Adverse effects Diarrhoea, headache, nausea, rashes, loss of hair, thrombocytopenia,
leucopenia, increased chances of chest infection and raised hepatic transaminases.
It is not to be used in children and pregnant/ lactating women.
Leflunomide is an alternative to Mtx or can be added to it, but the combination is more
hepatotoxic. Combination with sulfasalazine improves benefit.
Marketed preparations LEFRA 10 mg, 20 mg tabs.
12. 12
.
Gold
Injected i.m. as gold sodium thiomalate, gold is the oldest drug capable of
arresting progression of RA. Because of high toxicity (hypertension,
dermatitis, stomatitis, kidney/ liver/bone marrow damage) it has gone out
of use.
Auranofin
The orally active gold compound is less effective and less toxic (causes
diarrhoea, abdominal cramps etc.), but has been replaced now by better
drugs.
d-Penicillamine
It is a copper chelating agent with a gold like action in RA. Toxicity is also
similar and it is no longer used in this disease.
13. 13
.
Recently, several recombinant proteins/monoclonal antibodies that
bind and inhibit cytokines, especially TNFα or IL-1 have been
produced and found to afford substantial benefit in autoimmune
diseases like RA, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis,
scleroderma, etc.
All of them produce prominent adverse effects, are expensive, and
are used only as reserve drugs for severe refractory disease.
14. 1. TNFα inhibitors: Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab
14
TNFα plays a key role in the inflammatory cascade of RA by activating membrane
bound receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) on the surface of T-cells, macrophages, etc.
Exogenously administered soluble TNF-receptor protein or antibody can neutralize it
and interrupt there action.
TNF inhibitors mainly suppress macrophage and T-cell function → inflammatory
changes in the joint revert and new erosions are slowed.
Quicker response than nonbiologic DMARDs has been obtained.
Though effective as monotherapy, they are generally added to Mtx when response to
the Mtx is not adequate or in rapidly progressing cases.
Susceptibility to infections, including tuberculosis and pneumocystis pneumonia is
increased.
15. 15
.
Etanercept
A recombinant fusion protein of TNF-receptor and Fc portion of human IgG1.
Administered by s.c. injection 50 mg weekly.
Pain, redness, itching and swelling occur at injection site and chest infections may
be increased, but immunogenicity is not a clinical problem.
Dose 25–50 mg s.c. once or twice weekly;
Marketed preparations ENBREL, ENBROL 25 mg in 0.5 ml, 50 mg in 1 ml inj.
Infliximab
A chimeral monoclonal antibody which binds and neutralizes TNFα.
3–5 mg/kg is infused i.v. every 4–8 weeks.
An acute reaction comprising of fever, chills, urticaria, bronchospasm, rarely
anaphylaxis may follow the infusion. Susceptibility to respiratory infections is
increased and worsening of CHF has been noted.
It is usually combined with Mtx which improves the response and decreases
antibody formation against infliximab.
16. 16
.
Adalimumab
A recombinant monoclonal anti-TNF antibody administered s.c. 40 mg every 2
weeks.
Injection site reaction and respiratory infections are the common adverse effects.
Combination with Mtx is advised to improve the response and decrease antibody
formation.
17. 2. IL-1 antagonist: Anakinra
17
Anakinra
A recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist.
Clinically less effective than TNF inhibitors → used in cases who have failed on one or
more DMARDs.
Dose 100 mg s.c. daily.
Adverse effects Local reaction and chest infections.
Abatacept which inhibits T-cell activation, and Rituximab a monoclonal antibody
that destroys and depletes B-cells, are other newer biologicals being used in
refractory RA.
18. 18
Glucocorticoids have potent immunosuppressant and antiinflammatory activity →
can be introduced almost at any stage in RA along with first or second line drugs, if
potent antiinflammatory action is required while continuing the NSAID ± DMARD.
Symptomatic relief is prompt and marked but no arrest of rheumatoid process → joint
destruction may be slowed and bony erosions delayed.
Long-term use of corticosteroids carries serious disadvantages. Therefore either-
low doses (5–10 mg prednisolone or equivalent) are used to supplement NSAIDs
(once used in this manner, it is difficult to withdraw the steroid → exacerbation is
mostly precipitated and the patient becomes steroid dependent), or
high doses are employed over short periods in cases with severe systemic
manifestations (organ-threatening disease, vasculitis) while the patient awaits
response from a remission inducing drug.
In cases with single or a few joint involvement with severe symptoms, intraarticular
injection of a soluble glucocorticoid affords relief for several weeks; joint damage may
be slowed. This procedure should not be repeated before 4–6 months.