Corticosteroids (ACD) are natural hormones made by the adrenal cortex which are important in maintaining good health. There are two types of corticosteroids, the glucocorticoids and the mineralocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids e.g. cortisol and cortisone, are important for how the body responds to stress and also how it uses carbohydrate, fat and protein. Naturally occurring and synthetic glucocorticoids have very powerful anti-inflammatory effects and are used to treat conditions that involve inflammation. Glucocorticoids also decrease the body's immune response so are used to treat conditions when the immune system is over-reacting.
Mineralocorticoids e.g. aldosterone are necessary for regulation of salt and water in the body.

Drug classes:

• corticotropin
• glucocorticoids
• mineralocorticoids