Glucocorticoid agonist
Glucocorticoid receptor agonist
- Broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive gene regulation
- Sustained activation → hyperglycemia, weight gain, osteoporosis and mood effects
- Negative feedback suppresses the HPA axis → adrenal suppression
- Broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect
- Hyperglycemia, weight gain, osteoporosis, mood change with prolonged use
- Adrenal suppression — taper after sustained courses
Drugs with this mechanism (20)
- Beclomethasone — Inhaled and intranasal corticosteroid; the original ICS.
- Betamethasone — Potent topical corticosteroid; the dipropionate ester is the strongest form.
- Budesonide — Inhaled/oral corticosteroid with high first-pass metabolism (fewer systemic effects).
- Clobetasol — Superpotent class I topical steroid; HPA suppression with extended use.
- Des-ciclesonide — Active ciclesonide metabolite formed by local esterases; supplies the glucocorticoid effect in airways and nasal tissue.
- Dexamethasone — Potent long-acting glucocorticoid with negligible mineralocorticoid effect.
- Flunisolide — Older inhaled and intranasal corticosteroid for asthma maintenance and allergic rhinitis.
- Fluocinonide — High-potency topical steroid, a step below clobetasol.
- Fluorometholone — Ocular corticosteroid with less IOP elevation than prednisolone acetate.
- Fluticasone — Potent inhaled/intranasal corticosteroid for asthma and rhinitis.
- Fluticasone nasal — Intranasal steroid for allergic rhinitis; strong congestion relief with little systemic exposure.
- Halobetasol — Superpotent topical steroid; also paired with tazarotene for psoriasis.
- Hydrocortisone — Cortisol given as a drug; physiologic replacement and topical steroid.
- Hydrocortisone topical — Low-potency topical corticosteroid for mild dermatoses; suitable for face and skin folds.
- Loteprednol — Ester-based ocular steroid designed to lower the intraocular pressure risk.
- Methylprednisolone — Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid available orally, by depot injection and IV.
- Mometasone — Potent inhaled/intranasal/topical corticosteroid.
- Prednisolone — The active form of prednisone; an oral glucocorticoid.
- Triamcinolone — Intermediate-acting glucocorticoid; injectable, topical, and intranasal.
- Triamcinolone injection — Long-acting injectable glucocorticoid for intra-articular or systemic inflammation.
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