Marked hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to perioral tingling, paresthesias, carpopedal spasms and, in extreme cases, tetany or seizures. This medication is commonly used for Inflammation.
Clinical endocrinology sources describe neuromuscular irritability as a classic manifestation of severe hypocalcemia due to inadequate intake, malabsorption or drug-induced changes in calcium metabolism.
Bilezikian JP. Hypocalcemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(10):3827-3839.; Khan AA et al. Diagnosis and management of hypocalcemia. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2018;47(4):753-766.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Research has found that corticosteroids increased chromium excretion in patients after just three days. Chromium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is important because corticosteroids themselves can raise blood sugar, contributing to diabetes. Evidence suggests that chromium supplementation improved fasting blood glucose levels in patients with steroid-induced diabetes.
Corticosteroids can lower calcium levels in the body. This is a double threat to bone health because corticosteroids themselves can weaken bones. Calcium is essential for strong bones, and a study showed that supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D3 helped prevent bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis taking corticosteroids. Supplementation with calcium should be considered during long term corticosteroid therapy.