Prednisolone 10mg, 20mg, 40mg Tablets
| Drug Name: | Prednisolone |
|---|---|
| Tablet Strength: | 40mg x 30 pills |
| Best Price: | $50.68 (Per Pill $0.32) |
| Where to buy |
Prednisolone is a synthetic form of the hormone—corticosteroids—belonging to a class of drugs known as glucocorticoids. Corticosteroids are normally produced by the adrenal glands. The drug is used mainly to treat certain types of inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and allergies. Prednisolone can come as tablets, topical agents (cream for skin), eye or ear drops, and IV solutions.
Uses of Prednisolone
Prednisolone is prescribed for the following conditions:
- Ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus
- Sarcoidosis
- Eye conditions like optic neuritis, corneal injuries, disorders of the eyelid, sclera or conjunctiva
- Endocrine disorders
- Cancers (acute lymphoblastic leukemia)
- Some nervous system and blood cells disorders
- Asthma
- Post myocardial infarction syndrome
- Drug allergic reactions
Prednisolone can also be used for purposes not listed here.
Precautions
Both adults and pediatric patients can consume Prednisolone. However, patients should adhere the following warnings:
- Do not use Prednisolone if you have fungal infections. It can weaken your immune system and cause you to be susceptible to other infections.
- To be certain that this drug is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:
○ Herpes infection (eye)
○ Tuberculosis (active)
○ Multiple sclerosis
○ Osteoporosis
○ Gastrointestinal conditions like diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, or ulcerative colitis
○ Liver diseases
○ Myasthenia gravis
○ Depression
○ High blood pressure
○ Thyroid disorders
- You'll need to tell your doctor if you are on diabetic medication as steroids can cause an increase in blood and urine glucose levels.
- Though the effects of Prednisolone on babies is uncertain, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant while using Prednisolone.
How to Use Prednisolone
Take this drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor. However, you can ingest it daily or every other day. The drug is best administered in the morning with a meal to prevent stomach upset and sleep disturbances at night.
On the contrary, if the brand you purchase is labeled “gastro resistant,” you can take it without a meal. But make sure to swallow it whole with plenty of water.
Do not take Prednisolone less or longer than expected. Also, you should not stop your treatment abruptly as it may trigger some unpleasant effects. Your doctor may alternate your dosing schedule, depending on your health condition. But ensure to tell your doctor if you tampered with your dose.
If you are consuming the oral suspension, shake it properly before use and measure the liquid with the dose measuring device provided.
Keep Prednisolone disintegrating tablets in their blister pack till you are ready to take them. Do not chew the disintegrating tablets, allow them to dissolve in your mouth before drinking water.
Prednisolone Dosage
Dosing is usually based on your symptoms and how you respond to treatment. However, for adults, a starting dose should be between 5-60 mg/day. Pediatric patients are given Prednisolone based on their weight, but the dosage is between 0.14-2 mg/kg daily.
Side Effects of Prednisolone
Your chances of experiencing the side effects of Prednisolone are lower if you are on a low dose. However, the following are common:
- Edema (swollen hands and feet due to fluid retention)
- Increased sweating
- Indigestion
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Weakness
If these side effects begin to bother you, it is important to consult your doctor to find out how to cope with them.
Furthermore, patients may present severe side effects of Prednisolone if they have been consuming it for some weeks or are on a high dose. You should seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Puffed face
- Severe depression, agitation, or mood swings
- Abnormal weight gain, especially around your upper belly or back
- Vision problems
- Unusual bleeding
- Unusual tiredness
- Tarry or bloody stools
- Irregular heartbeats
- Increased urination
- Seizures
It is important to note that administering Prednisolone over a long period can cause certain side effects such as:
- Increase in blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Eye problems
Additionally, in pediatrics, long-term administration of this drug can tamper with their growth process. Hence, healthcare professionals need to closely monitor the weight and height of children consuming Prednisolone. Spotting a growth problem early will help the doctor decide the next line of action, which may involve changing the medication.
Missed Doses and Overdose
If you forget to take your daily dose of Prednisolone, set a reminder to take it the next day, but do not make up for the missed dose. An overdose of this drug may lead to unpleasant effects like menstrual problems, facial hair, and impotence. You should speak with your doctor if you suspect that you’ve consumed more medicine than required.
Drug Interactions
This medicine can interact with the following drugs:
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Seizure drugs (phenytoin)
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
- Azole antifungals (itraconazole)
- Antiplatelet drugs (clopidogrel)
Other drugs not mentioned here may affect the efficacy of Prednisolone. Ensure to inform your doctor of all drugs you are consuming or have used in the past, including supplements and OTC medicines.