The Side Effects of Corticosteroids.

C, 'orticosteroids are of enormous value in the suppression of the ocular inflammatory reaction to various injurious agents. The administration of corticosteroids alters the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as affecting almost all other endocrine secretions, salt and water balance, and a large number of enzymatic reactions. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that corticosteroids have side effects. For the intelligent use of any hormone or drug, the clinician must be familiar not only with its beneficial effects, but also with its other actions. Knowledge of the various undesirable changes permits the clinician to recognize their early occurrence in the individual patient and to alter his therapy accordingly. Such information should not lead the competent and conscientious physician to abandon the use of life-saving or sight-preserving corticosteroids when they are indicated. On the contrary, an understanding of side effects permits him to weigh carefully and continuously the relative merits against the potential risks of the prescribed therapy. As with other potent drugs, corticosteroids should be used only when indicated, for the minimum amount of time necessary,