Drug with high Cardiotoxicity (11/15)

11. Corticosteroids

Glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone):

• Mechanism: Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory agents that suppress the immune response and are used in various conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory disorders.
• Risks:

Hypertension: Corticosteroids can cause sodium retention and increase blood volume, leading to elevated blood pressure. Long-term use can result in sustained hypertension.

Metabolic Changes: Glucocorticoids can induce insulin resistance, promote weight gain, and alter lipid profiles, increasing cardiovascular risk over time.

Fluid Retention and Edema: This can exacerbate conditions like heart failure and lead to increased strain on the cardiovascular system.

Osteoporosis: Long-term use can lead to weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures that can limit mobility and indirectly affect cardiovascular health.

• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profiles, and signs of fluid retention. Bone density assessments may also be appropriate in long-term users.

Ensuring cardiac safety is essential to increasing the 
success rate of new drug developments.
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