Corticosteroid any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthetically . There are two kinds: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids . They have various metabolic functions and some are used to treat inflammation. Systemic corticosteroids Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body . It does not include corticosteroids used in the eyes, ears, or nose, on the skin or that are inhaled, although small amounts of these corticosteroids can be absorbed into the body. Naturally occurring corticosteroids Naturally occurring corticosteroids, hydrocortisone (Cortef ) and Cortisone , are produced by the outer portion of the Adrenal Gland known as the C ortex (hence the name, corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are classified as either: glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory) which suppress inflammation and immunity and assist in the bre...