Prednisone

Prednisone 1mg/2.5mg /5mg /10mg/ 20mg /50mg Tablets Online

Prednisone is a potent corticosteroid medication frequently prescribed to manage various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It functions by suppressing the body's immune system, thus reducing inflammation throughout the body. This mechanism makes it a versatile treatment option for a wide array of medical issues, from mild allergies to chronic diseases. The medication is crucial in managing conditions where the immune system is overactive, causing damage to the body.

 Prednisone is typically available in several forms;

  • Immediate-release tablets
  • Delayed-release tablets
  • Liquid solutions

Prednisone works by modulating the immune system's response. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Prednisone helps regulate this by reducing the production of inflammatory substances and suppressing immune cell activity.

Prednisone is effective in treating conditions such as:

  • Allergic disorders: Prednisone provides relief from severe allergic reactions like hay fever, hives, and angioedema by suppressing the immune response to allergens.
  • Skin conditions: It manages skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and severe dermatitis, reducing inflammation, itching, and redness, thus promoting healing.
  • Ulcerative colitis: Prednisone can alleviate inflammation in the colon, reducing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, which are common in ulcerative colitis.
  • Crohn’s disease: This medication aids in reducing inflammation and managing the symptoms of Crohn's disease, another chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Arthritis: It helps reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, improving mobility.
  • Lupus: Prednisone is used to control the body’s immune response and manage the symptoms of lupus, including fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes, preventing organ damage.
  • Asthma: By decreasing inflammation in the airways, prednisone can improve breathing and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, providing quick relief.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Prednisone can be used to manage flare-ups or exacerbations of COPD, helping to reduce inflammation and improve airflow, but is not a long-term treatment.

How Does Prednisone Work?

Prednisone’s effectiveness is based on its ability to:

  • Suppress Immune Response: Prednisone inhibits the production of inflammatory substances, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, crucial for the inflammatory process, thus dampening the immune system’s activity.
  • Reduce Inflammation: Prednisone directly decreases swelling, redness, heat, and pain by affecting the mediators of inflammation in the body, providing significant relief from discomfort.

Recommended Dosages

Dosages of prednisone are tailored based on:

  • Severity of the condition: More severe conditions often require higher initial doses to control symptoms effectively, with a gradual tapering afterward.
  • Overall patient health: Factors such as age, weight, and other underlying health conditions can affect how the body processes and responds to the medication.

Adults

The typical dosage range for adults is between 5mg and 60 mg daily. The precise dose will vary depending on the condition's severity and the patient’s individual response.

Children

Children’s dosages are calculated based on body weight and should be strictly followed according to the healthcare provider's instructions to ensure both safety and efficacy. 

Precautions

  1. It is important to provide your healthcare provider with a complete medical history before starting prednisone, including any previous illnesses, allergies, or sensitivities.
  2. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using to prevent potential drug interactions, some of which can be life-threatening.
  3. Avoid prednisone if you have a fungal infection, as it can worsen the infection and delay treatment.
  4. Lookout for any new infections, as prednisone weakens the immune system and makes one more susceptible to infections, which can be severe.
  5. Do not stop taking prednisone abruptly. A gradual tapering schedule is necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can cause severe distress.

Make sure you discuss with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Liver diseases
  • Kidney diseases
  • Heart diseases
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Glaucoma or cataracts

Missed Dosage & Overdose Instructions

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose. Overdose symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double up to compensate for a missed dose.

Common Side Effects

Prednisone can cause a range of side effects. Common mild symptoms include:

  • Increased appetite leading to weight gain
  • Mood changes, such as anxiety, irritability, or depression
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia

Serious adverse effects might include:

  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Acne
  • Increased perspiration
  • Dried skin
  • Thinner skin
  • Bruising or bleaching
  • Delatory wound healing
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Stomach ache and bloating
  • Dizziness

Report any new or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.

While taking Prednisone ensure that you avoid:

  • Close contact with individuals who are sick or have infections.
  • Receiving live vaccines.
  • Alcohol consumption.

 Storage Guidelines

  • Prednisone should always be kept at a warm temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Store away from direct light and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.