inhaled glucocorticoids

Q: 80% of inhaled glucocorticoids are swallowed?

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

The bioavailability of inhaled glucocorticoids largely depends on the technique and on its lipophilic characteristic. Only 20% of inhaled glucocorticoids get deposited in the lungs. If the compound is lipophilic, though it gets retained longer in the lungs but is poorly absorbed from the enteral route.

The overall absorption of inhaled glucocorticoids is 20 to 40 percent.

#pharmacology

Reference:

Johnson M. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of inhaled glucocorticoids. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1996; 97:169.