Exogenous adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the
See also:
Alternative Names
Drug-induced adrenal insufficiency
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Steroid medications called glucocorticoids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone) are similar to the natural hormone, cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including many inflammatory diseases such as asthma and some forms of arthritis.
Glucocorticoids can slow down the production of adrenal hormones by acting on the pituitary gland, the master gland that controls the adrenal glands.
If glucocorticoids are stopped or decreased too quickly, the adrenal glands may not begin making cortisol again fast enough to meet the body's needs. Adrenal insufficiency may result. This condition usually occurs when glucocorticoid drugs are given by pill or injection, rather than on the skin or inhaled. Higher doses and longer treatments increase the risk of adrenal insufficiency.
Quickly stopping treatment with glucocorticoids is the most common cause of exogenous adrenal insufficiency.
Other drugs that may cause adrenal insufficiency include:
- Aminoglutethimide
- Fludrocortisone
- Ketoconazole
- Megestrol
- Metyrapone
- Mitotane
These drugs have direct effects on the adrenal glands. They decrease glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormone production.
