Glucocorticoids gastrointestinal effect

All the glucocorticoids are absorbed from the skin, and are effectively are used as anti-inflammatory drugs. Following oral inhalation, glucocorticoids are absorbed from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. 

A relative indication for corticotropin is the occasional gastrointestinal intolerance that occurs with oral glucocorticoids. In these cases, however, only the local effects of the glucocorticoids can be avoided, and not their systemic effects on the gastrointestinal tract (25). 

The effects of aspirin on gastrointestinal mucosa will lead to additive effects if it is used concurrently with other drugs that have an irritant effect on the stomach, notably other NSAIDs or glucocorticoids (105,106). 

In 31 patients with Rhus allergy over a 10-year period the clinical manifestations included maculopapular eruptions (65%), erythema multiforme (32%), erythroderma (19%) pustules, purpura, wheals, and blisters (5). All the patients had generalized or localized pruritus, and other symptoms included gastrointestinal problems (32%), fever (26%), chills, and headache. Many developed a leukocytosis (70%) with neutrophilia (88%), and some had toxic effects on the liver or kidneys. All responded to glucocorticoids or antihistamines. 

Malabsorption of calcium is often the consequence of hypovitaminosis D, which is observed in gastrointestinal, hepatic, and renal diseases (Haussler et al. 1976, Fraser 1980, Iqbal 1994), as well as in some endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism (Peerenboom et al. 1984). Alcoholism (Kra-witt 1975) and long-term treatment with certain drugs, particularly glucocorticoids (Klein et al. 1977) or anti-convulsants (Hahn and Halstead 1979), also have negative effects on calcium absorption from the intestine. 

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