List of Corticosteroid Medications

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. When the adrenal cortex does not produce enough of these hormones, synthetic versions of the hormones may be administered to prevent unwanted symptoms. These drugs can also be used to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin, immune system and other organs of the body.

Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation and other symptoms of skin conditions. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is available in aerosol spray, lotion, ointment and cream forms 1. Possible side effects of betamethasone include:

• acne
  
• burning
  
• itching
  
• dry skin
  
• cracked skin
  
• changes in skin color

Budesonide

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Budesonide is a corticosteroid used to treat asthma. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that this drug is available in oral capsule, oral inhalation and nasal spray forms. It can also be used in a nebulizer. This drug can cause side affects that interfere with normal function of several body systems. The most common side effects of budesonide are nausea, headache and respiratory infection.

Cortisone

Cortisone is used to treat inflammation and adrenal insufficiency. Side effects of cortisone include:

• insomnia
  
• increased sweating
  
• nausea
  
• bloating
  
• stomach pain
  
• slow wound healing
  
• acne
  
• dry skin
  
• changes in the location of fat in the body

Dexamethasone

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Dexamethasone is used to treat arthritis, asthma, severe allergies, inflammatory intestinal disorders and skin disorders. According to the National Institutes of Health, it can also be used when the adrenal glands do not function properly 1. Possible side effects of dexamethasone include:

• stomach irritation
  
• headache
  
• insomnia
  
• dizziness
  
• restlessness
  
• anxiety
  
• easy bruising
  
• irregular menstrual periods
  
• upset stomach
  
• vomiting
  
• depression
  
• acne
  
• increased hair growth

Hydrocortisone

Suppositories, creams, enemas and ointments are available for use in treating anal itching. This drug can relieve skin irritations, rashes and itching. Possible side effects of hydrocortisone include:

• acne
  
• burning
  
• changes in skin color
  
• dry skin
  
• itching
  
• cracked skin

Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone is used to treat inflammation caused by conditions such as:

• arthritis
  
• ulcerative colitis
  
• breathing disorders
  
• psoriasis
  
• allergic conditions
  
• lupus

Methylprednisolone side effects can include

• sweating
  
• spinning sensation
  
• bloating
  
• nausea
  
• acne
  
• stomach pain
  
• slow wound healing
  
• thinning skin
  
• mood changes
  
• bruising
  
• changes in the location of body fat
  
• headache
  
• dizziness
  
• insomnia

Prednisolone

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, insomnia, increased appetite, nervousness and indigestion occurred in more than 10 percent of clinical trial subjects. Other possible side effects of prednisolone include:

• increased hair growth
  
• diabetes
  
• joint pain
  
• glaucoma
  
• cataracts
  
• nosebleed

Prednisone

Johns Hopkins University indicates that this drug can have several undesirable side effects. The possible side effects of prednisone include:

• weight gain
  
• high blood pressure
  
• bone thinning
  
• mood changes
  
• easy bruising
  
• insomnia
  
• stretch marks
  
• acne
  
• cataracts
  
• glucose intolerance