Kortisonia

Kortisonia is a term used in some languages to refer to corticosteroid medications, a class of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents derived from or modeled on the hormone cortisol. In medical practice, kortisonia may denote drugs such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and other synthetic analogs.

Corticosteroids act by binding to glucocorticoid receptors inside cells, which alters gene expression. This leads to reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, decreased migration of immune cells, and suppression of various immune pathways, producing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Used to treat a wide range of conditions, kortisonia suppress allergic and inflammatory responses in asthma, dermatitis, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, as well as to prevent organ transplant rejection and to manage acute severe reactions.

Medicines in this class are prepared for topical, oral, inhaled, or intramuscular or intravenous administration. Systemic exposure varies with formulation, dose, and duration. Metabolism occurs mainly in the liver and excretion is via the kidneys.

Short courses are generally well tolerated, but prolonged use or high doses carry risks, including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, fluid retention, weight gain, increased infection risk, thinning of the skin, cataracts and mood changes. Children may experience growth suppression with long-term use. Tapering is often required when stopping treatment to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Contraindications include systemic fungal infections and certain active infections when not adequately treated. Safety in pregnancy and pediatrics requires careful risk-benefit assessment. As with all corticosteroids, dosing should be individualized and monitored by a clinician.