Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) is a corticosteroid medication that is commonly used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. It is available in several forms, including oral tablets, injectable solutions, topical creams, and ointments. Triamcinolone works by reducing inflammation in the affected area. It does this by inhibiting the production of…
Glucocorticoids (GCs, “steroids”) are routinely used to induce immunosuppression in patients who have received transplants or have autoimmune diseases. However, we often see an increase in the measured white blood cell (WBC) count after steroid administration. Let’s explore this further.
Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) is a pharmacologic analog of the steroid hormone cortisol (identical structure) that serves as a reference to gauge the relative mineralcorticoid and glucocorticoid potencies of other steroids. This is similar to how morphine equivalents are used to gauge the analgesic potencies of other opioids.
Dexamethasone (Decadron) is synthetic adrenocortical steroid roughly 25 times more potent than hydrocortisone and devoid of mineralcorticoid (“sodium retaining”) properties. Therefore, it’s primarily used for long acting, anti-inflammatory effects.