What class of medications do drugs like Prednisone belong to?

Drugs like Prednisone belong to the class of medications known as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are synthetic derivatives of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. They play a vital role in reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, making them effective for treating a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, and allergies.

Corticosteroids work by mimicking the effects of cortisol, a natural hormone in the body that is involved in numerous physiological processes, including stress response and immune function regulation. By doing so, they help alleviate symptoms associated with excessive inflammation and autoimmunity.

Understanding the role and function of corticosteroids is critical for pharmacy technicians, as they often assist in verifying prescriptions, counseling patients on potential side effects, and monitoring for interactions with other medications that may affect the use of corticosteroids like Prednisone.