What it means
A corticosteroidkor-tih-koh-STER-oydA drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.cortic/o cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland)-oid likeFull entry that acts mostly where it is put. Inhaled, it prevents asthma attacks; as a nasal spray, it treats allergies; as capsules or tablets that release in the bowel, it treats Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Much of an oral dose is broken down by the liver, so it has fewer whole-body effects than prednisone.
For the nurse
Teach that the inhaler prevents attacks and does not stop one. After each inhaled dose, rinse the mouth and spit to prevent thrush. Oral capsules are swallowed whole.
At a glance
| Drug class | corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules, Rhinocort Allergy, Entocort EC, Uceris; with formoterol: Symbicort |
| Also written | Pulmicort, Rhinocort, Entocort EC, Uceris |
Related terms
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
inflammatory bowel disease
A group of long-term diseases, mainly Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed.
inhalation
Breathing in; also, a way of giving a drug as a mist or powder that is breathed into the lungs.