Inhaled Steroids
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In Progress
- Terbutaline
- Radioactive Iodine
- Ipratropium / Tiotropium
- Levothyroxine
- Second Generation Antihistamines
- First Generation Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine)
- Inhaled Steroids
- Antitussives
- Hypokalemia
Summary
Inhaled steroids include the drugs budesonide, fluticasone, and beclomethasone. They have anti-inflammatory effects that are useful in treating asthma. Inhaled steroids are long-acting drugs, meaning they act slowly and are best suited for maintenance treatment, and not for acute exacerbations. When prescribed together with a beta-2 agonist, the steroid should be taken after the beta-2 agonist. The biggest side effect of inhaled steroids is oral candidiasis, which can be prevented by rinsing out the mouth after each use.
Key Points
- Inhaled Steroids (Glucocorticoids)
- Key Drugs
- Fluticasone
- Beclomethasone
- Budesonide
- Mometasone
- Ciclesonide
- Mechanism
- Anti-inflammatory
- When inhaled, steroids work to reduce bronchial inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory
- Clinical Use
- Asthma
- Long-term management; Used for maintenance therapy.
- Cannot treat acute exacerbations; not a rescue medication
- When a client is prescribed both a beta-2 agonist and an inhaled glucocorticoid, the beta-2 agonist should be administered first, followed by the steroid
- The beta-2 agonist will open the bronchioles, allowing for better absorption of the glucocorticoid
- Asthma
- Side Effects
- Oral Candidiasis
- Also called thrush, caused by candida albicans
- A white furry coating inside the mouth
- Can be prevented by using a spacer and rinsing mouth after inhalation
- Local irritation
- Hoarseness
- Dry mouth
- Coughing
- Oral Candidiasis
- Key Drugs