Corticosteroidcontaining

Corticosteroid-containing products are medications that include a corticosteroid as an active ingredient. They are used to reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses in a variety of conditions. These products can be topical, inhaled, nasal, ocular, or systemic, and are available in many forms such as creams, ointments, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, and oral tablets.

Topical corticosteroids are among the most widely used and are applied to the skin to treat inflammatory dermatoses including eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of many asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease regimens, while nasal corticosteroids help control allergic rhinitis. Systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone are used for more severe or widespread disease, or to control acute flares in autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

Potency and selection vary by country and product. Corticosteroids are classified by strength, from low to very high, and choice depends on the condition, site, age of the patient, and the risk of local or systemic adverse effects. In children, the lowest effective potency and shortest duration are preferred. Combination products may include antibiotics or antifungals, particularly for inflammatory skin infections, but require careful use to avoid resistance or masking of infections.

Safety and monitoring are important: topical corticosteroids can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, and suppression of growth with extensive or prolonged use, while systemic corticosteroids can lead to HPA axis suppression, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, infection risk, and other systemic adverse effects. Tapering and monitoring by a clinician are advised when initiating, adjusting, or stopping systemic therapy.