Corticosteroids are synthetic analogs of adrenal cortex hormones used for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

This is the master class page. For individual drug details, see links below.

All glucocorticoids:

• Bind intracellular glucocorticoid receptors
• Alter gene transcription
• ↓ Pro-inflammatory cytokines
• ↓ Eosinophils
• ↓ T-cell activation
• ↓ Prostaglandins & leukotrienes

Full mechanism:

• Glucocorticoid Signaling Pathway

Used primarily in:

• Asthma

Drugs:

• Fluticasone
• Budesonide
• Mometasone

Used in:

• Allergic Rhinitis

Drugs:

• Fluticasone
• Mometasone
• Budesonide
• Triamcinolone

Used in:

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Contact Dermatitis

Organized by potency class (I–VII).

Short-term:

• Hyperglycemia
• Mood changes
• Fluid retention

Long-term:

• HPA axis suppression
• Osteoporosis
• Cushingoid features
• Increased infection risk
• Skin thinning

See detailed discussion:

• Prednisone (systemic risks)

Corticosteroids are used in:

• Allergic Rhinitis
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis (adjunct)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This reflects their broad immunosuppressive mechanism.

• All systemic steroids suppress the HPA axis with prolonged use.
• Dexamethasone has no mineralocorticoid activity.
• Intranasal steroids are first-line for allergic rhinitis congestion.
• Inhaled steroids are foundational in asthma.
• Epinephrine is first-line in anaphylaxis — steroids are adjunctive.

• HPA Axis Physiology
• Type I Hypersensitivity