Background: Since their identification nearly 80 years ago, steroids have played a prominent role in the treatment of many disease states. Many of the clinical roles of steroids are related to their potent antiinflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
Methods: This review summarizes the basic pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues regarding steroids.
Results: Clinically relevant side effects of steroids are common and problematic. Side effects can occur at a wide range of doses and vary depending on the route of administration. The full spectrum of side effects can be present even in patients taking low doses.
Conclusions: Practitioners must be aware that these drugs might exacerbate a preexisting condition or present a new medical condition. Knowledge of the clinical implications of prescribing these agents is critical.
Keywords: Adrenal cortex hormones; diabetes mellitus; drug-related side effects and adverse reactions; glucocorticoids; medication therapy management; mineralocorticoids.