corticoids
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Corticosteroids are steroids produced within the adrenal cortex. They are divided into two main groups according to their actions:
- glucocorticoids: anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and fuel substrate modulation predominate
- mineralocorticoids: fluid and salt balance
To an extent, there is an overlap of function between the groups.
A small amount of androgen is also produced within the adrenal cortex.
'Steroids', in lay terms, is often used wrongly as a label for corticosteroids and particularly the glucocorticoid prednisolone.
Last reviewed 09/2021
Links:
- adrenal cortical physiology
- corticosteroid (potency)
- key messages (steroid treatment)
- special precautions
- therapeutics
- types
- corticosteroid withdrawal
- routes of administration
- therapeutic guidelines
- pharmacokinetics
- interactions
- side effects by route
- steroids (endocrinological information)
- steroid use and cardiovascular risk (CV risk)