Corticosteroids are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to hormones produced by the body. They are used to treat a variety of disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), hemorrhoids and other mild rectal disorders.

Corticosteroids can be taken in several forms, depending on the particular condition being treated. Oral preparations are the primary delivery method of corticosteroids. However, IBD may also be treated with corticosteroids that are administered through an enema (which is used to treat disorders in the lower colon or rectum), or with rectal suppositories (drugs that directly act on inflamed rectal tissue) or intravenously (into a vein).

Most corticosteroids are available only with a physician’s prescription. Corticosteroids can cause a wide range of serious side effects, including a loss of bone density (osteoporosis). For this reason, these drugs are not recommended for long-term use and are usually used to treat IBD only if other medications and treatments fail to relieve symptoms. Many medications can interfere with corticosteroids, and these drugs should be used only after talking with a physician.

In addition, patients with certain conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers) may not be good candidates for using corticosteroids. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their infants, children and the elderly may be at higher risk for corticosteroid-related  side effects. For this reason, patients in these demographic groups should consult the physician about the potential benefits and risks of taking corticosteroids.