Final answer:
Corticosteroids are used to reduce cerebral edema by suppressing the immune system and the inflammatory response. H₂-antihistamines are co-prescribed to prevent corticosteroid-induced gastric acid production, protecting the stomach lining from ulcers and reflux.
Step-by-step explanation:
For patients with cerebral edema, a corticosteroid is often administered to reduce the edema by downregulating the immune system and inhibiting the inflammatory response. Type 2 histamine receptor blockers, also known as H₂-antihistamines, play a different role. They are prescribed in conjunction with corticosteroids to effectively prevent histamines that have been released from stimulating the stomach to produce excessive gastric acid, which can be a side effect of corticosteroid treatment.
H₂-antihistamines bind to histamine H₂ receptors primarily in the stomach, and by doing so, they mitigate potential gastrointestinal side effects such as peptic ulcers and acid reflux. This is especially beneficial in patients who are on long-term corticosteroid therapy, as it helps prevent damage to the stomach lining that could be worsened by the elevated production of stomach acid triggered by the corticosteroids.