Steroid therapy
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Steroid therapy. Use the lowest dose necessary, Consider alternate daily dosing. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Dosing
- Use the lowest dose necessary
- Consider alternate daily dosing
- Administer as a daily dose if there is associated diabetes mellitus
- Protect the gut with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Bone protection precautions
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Dietary precautions
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Tuberculosis prophylaxis: indications
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Pneumocystis jirovecii (carinii) prophylaxis
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Other precautions
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Monitoring tests on steroids
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Steroids and surgery
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Adverse effects
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References
- Amato AA, Russell JA. Neuromuscular Disorders. McGraw Hill New York 2008 p709.
- Moghadam-Kia S, Werth VP. Prevention and treatment of systemic glucocorticoid side effects. Int J Dermatol 2010; 49:239-248.
- Saygin D, Oddis CV. Glucocorticoids in myositis: initiation, tapering, and discontinuation. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2022; 24:47-53.
- Kelly DM, Cronin S. PCP prophylaxis with use of corticosteroids by neurologists. Pract Neurol 2014; 14:74-76.
- Ledingham J, Gullick N, Irving K, et al. BSR and BHPR guideline for the prescription and monitoring of non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:865-868.
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