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Prednisolone

Generic name: Prednisolone [pred-NIS-oh-lone]
Names of Brands: Flo-Pred, Millipred, Orapred, Pediapred, Veripred 20… Show the 15 brands.
Forms for Dosage: Oral liquid, oral suspension, oral syrup, oral tablet, disintegrating tablet for oral
Drug Class: Glucocorticoids

How is Prednisolone?

Prednisolone can be described as a corticosteroid and could be used to lower inflammation and soothe an overactive immune system. It does this by mimicking the effects of cortisol. It is a hormone produced through the adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys) that regulates metabolism and stress. Prednisolone stops the release of chemicals in the body that can cause inflammation.

Prednisolone is used for treating various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and allergic disorders. gland (endocrine) disorders, as well as conditions that impact the eyes, skin, lungs, stomach, nervous system, blood cells, or stomach.

Prednisolone is primarily a glucocorticoid, which implies that it has a major impact on our immune response and helps reduce inflammation, but it does not affect the body's balance between sodium and electrolytes (this is known as mineralocorticoid function).

Prednisolone was FDA-approved in 1955.

Warnings

Prednisolone should not be used when you are suffering from an infection with fungal spores within your body.

Before you Take this Drug

Prednisolone should not be used when you are allergic to the substance or are suffering from:

  • A fungal infection can occur anywhere on your body.

Prednisolone may affect your immune system and make it easier to contract an infection. Steroids may also aggravate an existing infection or revive an infection you had previously. Inform your doctor of any infection or illness that you've experienced in the past few weeks.

To ensure that prednisolone is safe for you, inform your doctor if you've ever taken:

  • Active tuberculosis;

  • A thyroid disorder

  • Eyes with a herpes infection;

  • Stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis, as well as diverticulitis;

  • Depression, mental illness, or psychosis;

  • Liver disease (especially cirrhosis);

  • Hypertension;

  • Osteoporosis;

  • An illness of the muscles, like myasthenia gravis

  • MS.

Inform your doctor that you suffer from diabetes. Steroid medications can increase sugar concentrations in your urine or blood. It is also possible to alter the dosage of diabetes medication.

It is not clear if prednisolone harms an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.

It is unclear if prednisolone gets into breast milk or whether it can affect nursing infants.

Ask your doctor for advice if are breastfeeding.

How to take Prednisolone?

Use prednisolone as directed by your physician. Your doctor might alter your dosage. Don't take prednisolone in smaller or larger amounts or for a longer time than is recommended.

Prednisolone can be taken daily or once a day. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage extremely carefully.

Take measurements of liquid medicines using the dosing syringe that comes with it, a specially designed measuring spoon, or a medicine cup. If you do not own an instrument for measuring doses, you can ask your pharmacist for one.

You might need to shake your oral suspension (liquid) thoroughly just before taking a dosage. Follow the directions on the medication label.

Disintegrating tablets of prednisolone should be kept in their blister packs until you're ready to take the medication. The package should be opened using dry hands and the foil that is in the tablet blisters (do not force it through the foil). The tablet is removed, and you place it inside your mouth. Allow the tablet to dissolve inside your mouth without chewing. Take a few breaths as the tablet disintegrates. If you wish, take a drink to help you swallow the tablet after it has disintegrated.

The dose you require could change if you are under uncharacteristic stress from a serious illness such as a fever or infection, or if you are undergoing surgery or an emergency medical situation. Inform your doctor of any situation that may affect you.

Prednisolone may cause abnormal results on certain medical tests. Inform any physician who treats patients that you are taking prednisolone.

It isn't advisable to stop using prednisolone abruptly. Follow your doctor's advice on tapering your dose.

Wear tags for medical alerts or have an ID card that states that you're taking prednisolone. Any doctor who sees you must know that you are taking steroid medications.

If you are undergoing surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you're taking prednisolone prior to surgery. You might have to stop taking the medication for a short period of time.

Prednisolone should be stored at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment if you missed the dosage of prednisolone.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

A high dose of prednisolone is not likely to cause serious symptoms. However, prolonged usage of high doses of steroids may cause signs like thinning skin, easily bruising, changes in the form or position of fat (especially on the neck, face, back, hips, and waist), increased facial acne or menstrual issues, facial hair, impotence, or a loss of interest in sexual activity.

What Should be Avoided?

Do not get a "live" vaccine while using prednisolone. The vaccine might not function at the same rate during this time and could not fully protect you from illness. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and the nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Do not get an injection of smallpox, or you may develop serious complications.

Beware of those with illnesses or who suffer from illnesses. Contact your physician to get preventive treatment in the event that you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox. These diseases can be very serious or even fatal for people who are taking steroid medication.

Side effects Of Prednisolone

Take immediate medical attention in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to the prednisolone, such as hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Prednisolone can cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

  • Breathing shortness (even when exerting only a little) swelling rapidly and gaining weight;

  • Swelling, thin skin, or any wound that does not heal;

  • Severe depression, personality changes, abnormal thoughts or behavior;

  • Uncharacteristic or new pain in your leg or arm and in your lower back

  • The stool is bloody or tarry, coughing up blood, or vomiting that resembles coffee grounds.

  • Intense abdominal pain expanding to your back, nausea, and vomiting

  • A seizure (convulsions);

  • Lower potassium—leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering around your chest, more thirst or urination You may also experience numbness or sensations of tingling.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Consult your physician if your child isn't growing as normal when taking prednisolone.

Common side effects of prednisolone include:

  • Liquid retention (swelling in your ankles, hands, or fingers);

  • Dizziness, spinning sensation;

  • Menstrual changes;

  • Headache;

  • Muscles or weakening muscle weakness or pain

  • Stomach discomfort and bloating.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Other medications can interfere with prednisolone, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.