How are corticosteroids used?

Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, allergies and many other conditions. These drugs also help suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. Corticosteroids also treat Addison's disease, a relatively rare condition where the adrenal glands aren't able to produce even the minimum amount of corticosteroid that the body needs.

Corticosteroids are administered in many different ways, depending on the condition being treated:

• By mouth. Tablets, capsules or syrups help treat the inflammation and pain associated with certain chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• By inhaler and intranasal spray. These forms help control inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies.
• In the form of eyedrops. This form helps treat swelling after eye surgery.
• Topically. Creams and ointments can help heal many skin conditions.
• By injection. This form is often used to treat muscle and joint signs and symptoms, such as the pain and inflammation of tendinitis.