This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Side effects of systemic corticosteroids

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Systemic side effects are more likely with prolonged usage and increased concentration of corticosteroids.

The major side effect of systemic corticosteroids is Cushing's syndrome and in the longterm osteoporosis.

Other systemic side effects include:

  • in children, frequent courses may restrict growth, although this effect is rarely seen with inhaled steroids
  • suppression of pituitary-adrenal axis with risk of withdrawal hypoadrenalism
  • gastrointestinal disorder e.g. peptic ulceration
  • suppression of normal immune and inflammatory responses, masking the normal presentation of disease
  • salt and water retention, possibly leading to heart failure
  • renal potassium loss, leading to muscle weakness

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.