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The double-edged sword of steroids: How does prednisone struggle with treatment and side effects?
Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug that is mainly used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It is especially suitable for the treatment of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and rheumatism. Since its approval by the U.S. FDA in 1955, prednisone has become one of the most commonly prescribed drugs today due to its widespread use. However, its potential side effects also cause considerable distress to many patients.
The use of prednisone is critical for many autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, including but not limited to asthma, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Medical uses of prednisone
Prednisone is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. These diseases include asthma, gout, COPD, chronic inflammatory neuropathy (CIDP), rheumatic diseases, allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, giant cell arteritis, and others. It is also used to treat hypercalcemia caused by cancer and as part of immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.
Side effects of prednisone
Although the therapeutic effects of prednisone are significant, there are also a series of side effects. Short-term side effects may include high blood sugar (especially in people with diabetes), muscle weakness, and mood swings. Long-term use may lead to Cushing's disease, steroid dementia, vision problems and other more serious health problems.
Patients who use prednisone for a long time need to be cautious. Research shows that many people do not take measures to protect bone quality while using prednisone.
Drug withdrawal and dependence
Long-term use of prednisone can cause adrenal suppression. If prednisone is used for a long time, the adrenal gland may not be able to quickly restore its natural corticosteroid production capacity. Users need to gradually reduce the dose to avoid an "Addison crisis." Therefore, if the medication is used for more than seven days, a correct tapering plan is indispensable.
Mechanism of adrenal gland action
Prednisone, as a glucocorticoid, reduces the synthesis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by inhibiting feedback from the hypothalamus, which will lead to a weakening of adrenal gland function as the dosage increases. This also explains why patients may experience side effects after abruptly stopping the medication.
Pharmacology of prednisone
Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that is metabolized by the liver to the active ingredient prednisol. It is absorbed in the digestive tract, has a half-life of 2-3 hours, and is mainly metabolized and excreted by the liver.
The discovery of prednisone and its derivatives has changed the quality of life of many patients with chronic diseases, and its contribution to the medical field cannot be underestimated.
The history of prednisone
The first isolation and structural identification of prednisone was completed in 1950, and its commercial synthesis was achieved in 1955. Advances in prednisone offer new possibilities for future anti-inflammatory treatments, making it one of the most important medical resources.
As a drug, prednisone has not only changed the course of countless patients' illnesses, but has also sparked in-depth discussions about its side effects. How to strike a balance between efficacy and side effects in order to better use prednisone, a powerful drug? Will this become a major medical challenge in the future?
