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→Side Effects and Contraindications
As with most drugs, steroids may be administered in a variety of ways. Topical steroids are appropriate for used in the eyes and ears, and on the skin. The structure of the drug can affect how useful it is topically; the C17 aliphatic side chain can influence topical absorption, and acetonide esters (e.g. betamethasone-17-valerate) are well absorbed from the skin but have little systemic access. Steroids are well absorbed orally, and may also be used parenterally, by inhalation and intra-articularly.
As with most drugs, steroids may be administered in a variety of ways. Topical steroids are appropriate for used in the eyes and ears, and on the skin. The structure of the drug can affect how useful it is topically; the C17 aliphatic side chain can influence topical absorption, and acetonide esters (e.g. betamethasone-17-valerate) are well absorbed from the skin but have little systemic access. Steroids are well absorbed orally, and may also be used parenterally, by inhalation and intra-articularly.
==Side Effects and Contraindications==
==Side Effects and Contraindications==
Side effects of steroids include:
* Gastric ulceration. This is potentiated by [[NSAIDs|NSAIDs]] and therefore concurrent use of these drugs is contraindicated.
* Muscle atrophy
* Cutaneous atrophy
* Hyperglycaemia
* Osteoporotic effects. These occur sicne steroids decrease absroption and increase excreting of calcium. They also increase parathyroid hormone activity, leading to decreases in osteoblastic activity and increases in activity of osteoclasts. Degeneration of epiphyseal cartilage can also occur in young animals.
* Mineralocorticoid activity, resulting in sodium and water retention and loss of potassium.
* Polyuria and polydipsia
* Increased susceptibility to infection, due to immuno-suppressive effects.
* Laminitis in horses
* Corneal ulceration
Suppression of the hypothalamal-pituitary axis can occur. Exogenous steroids extert negative feedback in the same way that endogenous steroids do. This leads to suppression of ACTH formation and storage and may cause atrophy of the pituitary gland. Sudden termination of treatment with exogenous steroids can therefore lead
==Drugs in This Group==
==Drugs in This Group==