Prednisolone farnesylate, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is a terpene-modified compound of prednisolone with an antiinflammatory and antirheumatic action. Glucocorticoid receptor agonists. Farnerate Gel (trade name from Dainippon Pharmaceuticals) and Farnezone Gel (Taiho Pharmaceuticalshave) were launched in Japan in 1998 as topical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) product to treat symptoms associated with RA such as finger, hand and elbow swelling and pain.

Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling and others. Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid agonist. Unbound dexamethasone crosses cell membranes and binds with high affinity to specific cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors. Adverse reactions are: Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and field defects; cataract formation; secondary ocular infection following suppression of host response; and perforation of the globe may occur; muscle weakness; osteoporosis and others. Aminoglutethimide may diminish adrenal suppression by corticosteroids. Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance.