What are corticosteroids?

Def. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are a class of chemicals including both the steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates and analogues of these hormones which are synthesized in laboratories. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic processes including the stress response, immune response and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate &protein catabolism.

Anti-inflammatories: Corticosteroids are medications that are anti-inflammatory and work to reduce the immune systems attack or inflammation. They come in oral, intravenous, injectable, and topical forms. Examples are Prednisone (oral), solumedrol (methylprednisolone) (iv or im), and Hydrocortisone cream (topical).