Glucocorticoids

What Are Glucocorticoids?

Frieda Wiley, PharmD, RPh
By Medically Reviewed by 
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed

These drugs mimic the way your body controls inflammation.

Glucocorticoids are steroids that are either produced naturally in the body, or created synthetically as drugs.

Both naturally produced and synthetic glucocorticoids have two main functions:

  • Regulation of sugar metabolism
  • Anti-inflammatory effects

Prescription glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammation caused by a wide variety of illnesses, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and cancer.

Examples of glucocorticoid drugs include:

Warnings and Precautions

Avoid glucocorticoids if you:

  • Are allergic to glucocorticoids
  • Are taking medications for a fungal infection
  • Have an infection of malaria in the brain

If you've been taking glucocorticoids for two weeks or more, don't stop taking the drug suddenly unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Stopping the drug "cold turkey" could send your body into crisis mode.

Ask your doctor about glucocorticoids if you:

  • Have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk of an infection
  • Have an active infection, including measles or chicken pox
  • Have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or diabetes
  • Recently had a heart attack
  • Have a disorder affecting your digestive tract, like inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, or holes in your intestines
  • Have seizures
  • Have a mood disorder
  • Have a condition involving hormone balance, like a thyroid disorder or osteoporosis

Common Side Effects

Because so many cells, tissues, and organs are affected by glucocorticoids in some way, taking these drugs can have many side effects, including:

  • Increase in blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, or glucose level
  • Water retention, including swelling in the feet, ankles, lower legs, or hands
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Headache, dizziness, and vertigo
  • Mood swings
  • Osteoporosis, broken bones
  • Thrush (fungus) in mouth
  • Thin skin
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Acne
  • Getting sick more easily, or wounds that heal more slowly than normal (with long-term use of drug)

Drug Interactions

Don't take glucocorticoids if you:

Also, ask your doctor about glucocorticoids if you are currently taking any medication for:

  • High blood pressure
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Swelling
  • Diabetes
  • Organ transplant
  • Viral infection
  • Rheumatoid arthritis