Prescribing Corticosteroids

Flashcards about corticosteroids in different treatments and their side effects.

In the acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment protocol, how much prednisone is typically administered daily during the induction phase?

60mg/m2 of prednisone, divided into three doses, during the first 28 days

In treating Hodgkin's lymphoma with the MOPP protocol, what is the prednisone dosage?

40 mg/m2 per day, orally, from the 1st to the 14th day of the monthly chemotherapy cycle.

What corticosteroid is often used to reduce edema around brain tumors, and what is the typical dosage?

Dexamethasone, in a dose of 4 to 16 mg per day.

What is the purpose of using corticosteroids at the beginning of autoimmune disease treatment?

Calming symptoms and giving time for other drugs to take effect.

What are some common side effects of long-term corticosteroid use?

Peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, skin atrophy, psychotic manifestations, hypertension, cataracts, and increased risk of infections.

What should be supplemented when a patient begins to experience corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates and Vitamin D

Why is the gradual cessation of corticosteroid use important?

To prevent Addison's crisis (hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypotension).

Why is dexamethasone not the best choice for edema caused by brain tumors?

It lacks a mineralocorticoid effect.

What are the two complications that may occur if corticosteroids are terminated all of a sudden?

"withdrawal syndrome " and acute adrenal insufficiency

What are the symptoms of "withdrawal syndrome"?

arthralgia, myalgia, headache, lethargy and subfebrility

What is the correct dosage of hydrocortisone during the treatment of Addison's crisis?

100 mg intravenously, every 6 hours

What is the mineralocorticoid that should be given to Addison's crisis patients?

fludrocortisone, 0.1 mg per day, orally

What potentially dangerous drug interaction can occur if corticosteroids are taken with diuretics?

Hypokalemia.

How do macrolide antibiotics interact with corticosteroids?

They inhibit the metabolism of corticosteroids, increasing their concentration in the serum.

Combining non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with corticosteroids increases the risk of what condition?

Peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

What is the consequence of drugs, like phenobarbital, on corticosteroid use?

Accelerated elimination of corticosteroids

When should live vaccines and corticosteroids NEVER be used simultaneously?

When Corticosteroids are taken in high doses (e.g., more than 40 mg of prednisolone per day)