Indications
Prednisolone (active ingredient: prednisolone) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Allergic Reactions: Prednisolone is used to treat severe allergic reactions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and drug allergies.
- Autoimmune Diseases: It is indicated for the management of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Prednisolone is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and severe psoriasis.
- Endocrine Disorders: It is indicated for the treatment of endocrine disorders such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
- Hematologic Disorders: Prednisolone is used for the treatment of certain blood disorders, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic anemia.
- Ophthalmic Diseases: It is indicated for the treatment of severe inflammatory conditions of the eye, such as uveitis and optic neuritis.
Prednisolone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids, which work by suppressing inflammation and modulating the immune response.
Uses and Dosage
Prednisolone is available in tablet form, with a dose of 5 mg per tablet to be taken orally with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Your doctor will likely provide instructions on how to take the tablets, including the timing and frequency of dosage. It is important to follow these instructions closely and to take the tablets exactly as prescribed. Taking more or less of the tablets or taking them more often than prescribed may lead to potential risks and side effects.
The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may recommend that you take prednisolone 1 to 4 times a day or a single dose every other day. It is advisable to set reminders in your calendar to ensure that you take the medication as directed.
The recommended dosage of prednisolone depends on the condition being treated and the patient's age, weight, and response to treatment. Generally, the initial dose for adults is 5 to 60 mg per day, taken in divided doses. For children, the dose may be lower and will be determined by the doctor based on the child's age, weight, and medical condition. Your doctor may adjust the dose, depending on your response to the medication.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Prednisolone
- Acne
- Changes in personality
- Changes in the way fat is spread around the body
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Extreme changes in mood, including unusual happiness
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Nausea
- Slowed healing of cuts and bruises
- Thin, fragile skin
- Thinning hair
Serious Side Effects of Prednisolone
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Loss of contact with reality
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Stomach swelling
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of on any part of the body
- Vision problems
Form and Strength
Prednisolone is available in the following forms and strengths:
Prednisolone: Tablet
- 5 mg
Caution
- If you have missed a dose of prednisolone, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, it is best to skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.
- If you have been taking prednisolone for an extended period, or if you are taking a daily dosage of more than 40mg, you are likely to experience side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor if any side effects occur.
- It is dangerous to abruptly discontinue taking prednisolone, particularly if you have been taking a high dose for a prolonged period. As the dose should be gradually lowered to avoid potential side effects. Your physician may recommend a gradual reduction of the dose over a period of several weeks.
- Taking prednisolone while pregnant may occasionally be associated with issues in the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy and potential impacts on the baby's growth, however, the benefits of taking the medication usually outweigh any risks.
- When you are taking prednisolone, it is important to consult with your doctor before receiving any vaccinations. Vaccines can have an altered effect when taken in combination with prednisolone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long to take Prednisolone for?
The duration of treatment with prednisolone depends on the condition being treated and the response to therapy. Generally, a short course of prednisolone lasting up to 1 week is sufficient for many conditions. However, in some cases, prednisolone may need to be taken for a longer period, even for many years or potentially for the rest of the patient's life.
How long can I take prednisone?
There is no set limit on how long you can safely take prednisone. It depends on the dose of prednisone and the condition being treated. It may be prescribed short term or long term. The dosage will be adjusted or stopped based on your response or lack of response to the medication.
What should I avoid when taking prednisolone?
Prednisone tends to raise the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood, which can cause increased body fat or diabetes in some people. You should avoid carbohydrates and concentrated sweets, such as cakes, pies, cookies, jams, honey, chips, breads, candy, and other highly processed foods.
How quickly does prednisolone work?
Prednisone usually works very quickly within one to four days. If the prescribed dose is adequate to reduce your level of inflammation.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/about-prednisolone-tablets-and-liquid/
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6307-2333/prednisolone-oral/prednisolone-liquid-oral/details
- https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Prednisolone
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615042.html
- https://www.drugs.com/prednisolone.html#dosage
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