<unk>  is a pregnane (21-carbon) steroid hormone. It is a naturally-occurring corticosteroid metabolite that is also used as a pharmaceutical prodrug; it is not synthesized in the adrenal glands. Cortisol is converted by the action of the enzyme corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme 2 into the inactive metabolite<unk> , particularly in the kidneys.<unk>  is converted back to the active steroid cortisol by the action of the enzyme 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, particularly in the liver. The term<unk> " is frequently misused to mean either any corticosteroid or hydrocortisone, which is actually another name for cortisol. Many who speak of receiving a<unk>  shot" or taking<unk> " are actually receiving hydrocortisone or one of many other, much more potent synthetic corticosteroids; it is unlikely that the drug administered is actually<unk> .<unk>  can be administered as a prodrug, meaning it has to be converted by the body (specifically the liver, converting it into cortisol) after administration to be effective. It is used to treat a variety of ailments and can be administered intravenously, orally, intra-articularly (into a joint), or transcutaneously.<unk>  suppresses various elements of the immune system, thus reducing inflammation and attendant pain and swelling. Risks exist, in particular in the long-term use of<unk> . However, using<unk>  only results in very mild activity, and very often more potent steroids are used instead.
Cortisone
Fludrocortisone
Liothyronine
Desoxycorticosterone acetate
Methandriol
Hydrocortisone
Calcipotriol
Hydrocortisone aceponate