Couldn't find what you looking for?

TRY OUR SEARCH!

Side effects of oral corticosteroids

by — Last updated: 2017-07-04 in Prescription & Over-The-Counter Drugs

Table of Contents

Corticosteroids are a very popular and effective type of medication, essentially close copies of cortisol, a hormone that our adrenal glands produces naturally. As most drugs, they have their good sides and their bad sides.

Oral medications affect our entire body instead of a particular area, which is why the side effects caused are usually more serious. Some of the most common side effects caused by oral corticosteroids are:

  • Mood swings
  • Elevated pressure in the eyes (glaucoma)
  • Slow wound healing
  • Cataracts
  • High blood sugar
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Fluid retention, causing edema on legs
  • Weight gain
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Suppressed normal adrenal gland hormone production
  • Thin skin
  • Loss of calcium in bones

Side effects of inhaled corticosteroids

Like all other medications which target specific points on our body, these medications may deposit in our mouth and throat instead of making it to our lungs. Studies have proven that this can cause coughing, hoarseness, dry mouth and sore throat. If this happens after the inhalation, you should gargle and rinse with water to reduce the chance of experiencing the side effects of this kind!

Side effects of topical and injected corticosteroids

A prolonged usage of topical corticosteroids can cause severe skin lesions, thickness of the skin and acne. Similarly, injected corticosteroids can cause side effects near the site of the injection. Most common side effects include pain, infection, shrinking of soft tissue and loss of color in the skin.
As a rule, these side effects grow in severity if treatment is continued for an extended period of time. This is because, with prolonged use, the drug inhibits the communication between the pituitary gland and the adrenals. 

How can the side effects of steroids be minimized?

  • First, use steroids only when necessary.
  • If possible, local steroids should be used in the treatment of local problems.
  • Only the minimal dose required should be used to gain control of the disease.
  • Reduce the dose gradually as long as the disease remains under control.
  • Monitor your own blood pressure during the usage of corticosteroids
  • Use calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis and maintain normal bone density.