Name a potential side effect of corticosteroid therapy.

Prepare for the Houston Methodist Pharmacology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

Corticosteroid therapy is commonly associated with several side effects due to its impact on various metabolic processes in the body. Weight gain is a well-documented side effect, primarily resulting from fluid retention, increased appetite, and changes in fat deposition patterns. Corticosteroids can lead to an increase in appetite, which contributes to weight gain, and they may also promote the accumulation of fat in certain areas of the body, such as the abdomen and face, creating a characteristic appearance known as "moon facies."

In contrast, while hair loss, increased sweating, and nausea can occur in some patients, they are not as universally recognized or as common as weight gain. Hair loss can happen but is typically not significant and is more associated with conditions that warrant corticosteroid use rather than the therapy itself. Increased sweating may occur in some patients as a side effect of hormonal changes or other factors, but it is not specific to corticosteroids. Nausea can result from a variety of reasons related to medical conditions, drug interactions, or the stress of illness, rather than being a direct side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Thus, weight gain stands out as a well-established and prominent side effect associated with the use of corticosteroids.

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