Scientific journal
European Student Scientific Journal
ISSN 2310-3094
ISSN 2310-3094
SOME SYSTEMIC SIDE EFFECTS OF CORTICOSTEROIDS
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Corticosteroids were first used in the 1950s as an anti-inflammatory drug. Over the years, corticosteroids have been used for the management of other clinical conditions including some chronic illnesses. Millions of new corticosteroid prescriptions are written yearly. The affordability and the ease of administration also make corticosteroids the favorite of many doctors in the management of several cases. Initially, much attention was not paid to the potential adverse effects of corticosteroids because it was believed that since they are analogous to natural hormones, they would have a wide safety margin. However, research has shown that corticosteroids have many adverse effects on different body systems that can be manifested during chronic or acute administration. Such systems affected by corticosteroids discussed in this paper include the endocrine system, the integumentary system, the muscular system, the skeletal system, the digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular system, nervous system and the visual system. It is important for healthcare workers to understand and pay attention to possible adverse effects so as to enhance early detection and discontinuation of drug.
systems
adverse effects
Corticosteroids