corticosteroid

Any of several steroid hormones secreted by the cortex of the adrenal glands; also synthetic forms with similar properties. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and may be used to treat a number of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, severe allergies, asthma, some skin diseases, and some cancers. Side effects can be serious, and therapy must be withdrawn very gradually.

The two main groups of corticosteroids include glucocorticoids (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone), which are essential to carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, and to the body's response to stress; and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone, fluorocortisone), which control the balance of water and salt in the body.