Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What type of drug are steroids classified as?

1. Analgesics

2. Anti-inflammatory

3. Antibiotics

4. Immunosuppressants

The correct answer is: Anti-inflammatory

Steroids are primarily classified as anti-inflammatory drugs, which means they are used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. This classification is particularly pertinent when discussing corticosteroids, a subgroup of steroids that are commonly used in both human and veterinary medicine. Corticosteroids can effectively manage conditions associated with inflammation, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and various forms of arthritis. While steroids can also have immunosuppressive properties (making them relevant in the context of option D), their primary role in this context is that of an anti-inflammatory agent. The ability to decrease inflammation is crucial in the treatment regimen of many diseases and conditions, making their classification as anti-inflammatory the most accurate in this scenario. The other drug classifications mentioned do not align with the primary function of steroids. For example, analgesics are used to relieve pain, antibiotics target bacterial infections, and while some steroids can act as immunosuppressants, they are fundamentally recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties.