DEFINITION, ETIOLOGY, RISK FACTORS
DEFINITION
Oral corticosteroids: Medications with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid effects.
PREVALENCE
Common medications in primary care
ETIOLOGY
Glucocorticoid activity: dexamethasone, prednisolone
Mineralocorticoid activity: fludrocortisone
RISK FACTORS
- Long-term use >3 weeks
- High dose >40mg daily for >1 week
- Recent repeat course for exacerbations
- History of long-term treatment
- Stressors present (causes of adrenal suppression – excess alcohol & stress)