Changes

Corticosteroids are highly plasma protein bound (around 90%). Binding may be both "generic" (to albumin) and "specific". Specific binding occurs to corticotrophin binding globulin (CBG), which has a high affinity but low capacity and hence binds endogenous corticosteroids only. Albumin binds both endogenous and synthetic steroids.

Corticosteroids are highly plasma protein bound (around 90%). Binding may be both "generic" (to albumin) and "specific". Specific binding occurs to corticotrophin binding globulin (CBG), which has a high affinity but low capacity and hence binds endogenous corticosteroids only. Albumin binds both endogenous and synthetic steroids.

Corticosteroids have a short half-life, with that of cortisol being only 90 minutes. The drugs are metabolised in the liver, where the C4-5 double bind is reduced and conjugation with sulphate or glucuronic acid occurs. They are then excreted in the urine. Cortisone and prednisone are inactive prodrugs; upon liver metabolism they are converted to hydrocortisone and prednisolone respectively.

Corticosteroids have a short half-life, with that of cortisol being only 90 minutes. The drugs are metabolised in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]], where the C4-5 double bind is reduced and conjugation with sulphate or glucuronic acid occurs. They are then excreted in the urine. Cortisone and prednisone are inactive prodrugs; upon [[Pharmacokinetics#Drug Metabolism in the Liver|liver metabolism]] they are converted to hydrocortisone and prednisolone respectively.

==Side Effects and Contraindications==  

==Side Effects and Contraindications==  

==Drugs in This Group==

==Drugs in This Group==