What are common side effects associated with corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are a class of medications that can have significant effects on various body systems due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. A common side effect of corticosteroid use is weight gain, which often occurs because these drugs can increase appetite and alter metabolism, leading to the accumulation of fat. The increased risk of infection arises from the immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids; they diminish the body's immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. This aspect is particularly crucial for patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, as they may not only have difficulty fighting off infections but also experience more severe symptoms if they do contract an illness.

In contrast, weight loss and insomnia are more commonly associated with other conditions or medications rather than with corticosteroids. Additionally, increased energy and muscle growth do not characterize the action of corticosteroids in a typical therapeutic context; rather, excessive corticosteroid use can lead to muscle wasting over time. Lastly, corticosteroids are more likely to contribute to hypertension than low blood pressure, and their use does not inherently cause dehydration.