Introduction
The drug known under the trade name “Decortin®” contains the active ingredient prednisolone. Decortin® is therefore a synthetically produced glucocorticoid, i.e. a hormone which in the human body is actually produced in the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticoids in turn belong to the group of steroid hormones.
Their production is based on a cholesterol molecule, the steroid hormone synthesis is one of the few ways by which the organism can actively “break down” cholesterol. The prednisolone contained in Decortin® itself is an artificial derivative of a very specific glucocorticoid, the cortisol. In general Decortin® has a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
However, Decortin® is also able to weaken the body’s own immune system and thus greatly increases susceptibility to infection (immunosuppressive effect). When it comes to alleviating inflammatory processes or allergic reactions (allergy), Decortin® is often used. It is one of the standard drugs in the therapy of anaphylactic (allergic) shock states (anaphylactic shock) (and strong reactions caused by allergens.
Furthermore, Decortin® is often used in the treatment of cerebral edema, bacterial meningitis and after neurosurgical operations. Due to its strong immunosuppressive effect, Decortin® is also used in the postoperative treatment of transplant patients. By taking the drug, the risk of a rejection reaction of the foreign organ is considerably reduced.
In addition, the use of Decortin® is very popular with patients after a sudden loss of hearing. After inhalation of toxic vapours (e.g. chlorine gas), an excessive reaction can be avoided by using prednisolone containing medication. Also chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (short: COPD) and severe asthma attacks can be treated by taking Decortin®.
Furthermore, Decortin® is used in paediatrics for the treatment of a pseudo croup attack. In the case of known pseudocrupp susceptibility, it should be kept in the household as an emergency medication and applied as soon as possible in the event of a seizure. For the application in small children Decortin® is available in the form of suppositories.
Side effects
Taking Decortin® can lead to considerable, sometimes life-threatening side effects. This fact is due to the fact that the artificially produced glucocorticoid has a strong inhibitory effect on the body’s own immune system and therefore significantly increases susceptibility to infections. Furthermore, high glucocorticoid concentrations (it is irrelevant whether these are natural or synthetically produced glucocorticoids) have a harmful effect on bone metabolism. Many patients who were treated with Decortin® over a long period of time complain about bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, if taken over a long period of time, there is a risk of provoking a disease known as Cushing’s disease.
Contraindications
In general Decortin® can always be used as a short-term medication in life-threatening situations without taking into account possible counter-signs. The only exception are patients with a known hypersensitivity and/or intolerance to the active substance or other ingredients of the drug. Patients with acute viral infections (e.g. herpes simplex or varicella) should urgently refrain from long-term use. In addition, parasite infestation is a contraindication for treatment with Decortin®.
