Master the APHON Principles of Chemo & Biotherapy 2026 – Ace Your Way into Expert Care!

Corticosteroids are a class of drugs that possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They work by inhibiting various components of the immune response, which can be beneficial in treating conditions such as autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation, where modulation of the immune system is desired. However, this immunosuppression comes with the significant side effect of increased susceptibility to infections.

When corticosteroids are used, they suppress the function of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, which play critical roles in fighting off infections. This reduction in immune response can make patients more vulnerable to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that their body might otherwise be able to combat effectively.

In contrast, the other drug classes listed do not carry the same degree of immunosuppressive risk. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) primarily relieve pain and inflammation but do not modulate the immune system significantly. Antibiotics are specifically designed to fight infections and do not have immunosuppressive effects. Antidepressants, while they can have various side effects, do not typically impact the immune system in a way that would increase infection risk. Therefore, corticosteroids are uniquely associated with a heightened risk of infections due to their immunosuppressive action