Corticosteroids · Pharmacology

Why are corticosteroids used in the management of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis?

  1. They cause immediate bronchodilation
  2. They stabilize mast cell membranes and prevent further mediator release
  3. They reduce late-phase inflammatory responses and prevent recurrence
  4. They act as competitive antagonists at H1 receptors
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: They reduce late-phase inflammatory responses and prevent recurrence

While epinephrine is the first-line treatment for acute anaphylaxis, corticosteroids are used to prevent the 'late-phase' reaction. They take several hours to work because they act via gene transcription rather than immediate receptor blockade.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 20

Practice all 20 Corticosteroids questions

Keep practicing

More Corticosteroids questions