Inflammation hydrocortisone effects

Armed with the above insight, we can examine the pharmacological ramifications of esterifying hydrocortisone. In Fig. 5 the ability of hydrocortisone esters to suppress inflammation induced by tetra-hydrofurfural alcohol, which acts simultaneously as irritant and vehicle, is shown as a function of the alkyl chain length of the esters [56]. An optimum chain in effect is seen at an alkyl chain length of six (hexanoate),... 

Pruritus is a common symptom in skin along with itching. Antihistaminics and hydrocortisone are very effective in pruritus due to inflammation. 

The remarkable efficacy of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses was noted soon after the introduction of hydrocortisone in 1952. Numerous analogs are now available that offer extensive choices of potencies, concentrations, and vehicles. The therapeutic effectiveness of topical corticosteroids is based primarily on their antiinflammatory activity. Definitive explanations of the effects of corticosteroids on endogenous mediators of inflammation await further experimental clarification. The antimitotic effects of corticosteroids on human epidermis may account for an additional mechanism of action in psoriasis and other dermatologic diseases associated with increased cell turnover. The general pharmacology of these endocrine agents is discussed in Chapter 39. 

The inhibitory effects of the sterols and triterpenoids on TPA-induced inflammatory ear edema in mice are shown in Table 2. The inhibitory effects of three reference compounds, quercetin (4), a known inhibitor of TPA-induced inflammation in mice, and of two commercially available anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin (5) and hydrocortisone (6), were included for comparison. As is evident from Table 2, most of the compounds examined exhibited activity almost equivalent to or higher than quercetin (4). Inhibitory effects on the other experimental models were also included in Table 2. 

The principal use of the drug today is in treatment of acid, flatulent or atonic dyspepsic ulcers, and pain and inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis. The antiinflammatory activity of Curcumas radix has been demonstrated in animal models, its effectiveness being similar to hydrocortisone acetate and indometh-acin. Curcumin and its derivatives are the active antiinflammatory constituents, and its activity appears to be mediated through the inhibition of the enzymes trypsin and hyaluronidase. Clinical studies (randomised, double-blind)... 

In many cases of eczema, the use of emollients or astringents may not be sufficient to relieve the symptoms. Topical corticosteroids may then be required to reduce the inflammation. Corticosteroids come in different potencies and the potency of the preparation chosen should be appropriate to the severity of the condition. One percent hydrocortisone cream or ointment, which is available as a pharmacy medicine is usually effective. Long-term application of topical steroids can cause damage to the skin. The aim is to use the lowest effective concentration of corticosteroid for the shortest period. However, it is preferable to use a high potency steroid for a short period rather than a low potency steroid for a longer period. This minimizes the damage to the skin structure and reduces the possibility of systemic adverse effects. (See Chapter 7 page 119 and Table 7.1 for adverse effects of corticosteroids.)... 

Anti-arthritic medicinal substances obtained from plants and hydrocortisone were studied with regard to their effect on essential metalloelement metabolism in the adjuvant-arthritic rat following oral treatment for 15 days. Medicinal substances derived from Withania somntfera and Clerodendron inerme decreased copper levels on day 3 compared with nontreated control levels, while hydrocortisone (15 mg/kg) had no effect. However, hydrocortisone treatment lowered serum copper values on days 15 and 49 after induction of inflammation, while the plant-derived drugs did not lower serum copper values [130]. 

UV induced erythema refers to the skin becoming red due to hyperemia of the capillaries in the lower layers of the skin induced by solar radiation (coimnonly called sunburns). In severe cases, blistering and peeling of the skin can occur. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Reuter et al., 2008) compared the anti-inflaimnatory effect of 97.5% pure Aloe vera gel to 1% hydrocortisone and a placebo gel and concluded that if Aloe vera gel is applied under an occlusive bandage for 2 days following UV exposure, inflammation is... 

Corticosteroid medications, including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone, have great potential in the treatment of a variety of conditions, from rashes to lupus to astiima, but also carry a risk of side effects. Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones the body produces naturally in the adrenal glands. When prescribed in doses that exceed the body s usual levels, corticosteroids suppress inflammation. This can reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. Corticosteroids also suppress the immxme system, which can help control autoimmxme diseases. 

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