Prednisolone
About Prednisolone
Prednisolone belongs to the class of steroid or corticosteroid medicine. Prednisolone is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines treating various medical conditions such as allergies, joint inflammation (arthritis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (e.g., lupus), certain eye diseases (e.g., keratitis), cancer (e.g., leukaemia), endocrine problems (e.g., adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis). It relieves the release of substances that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies. Besides this, it also prescribes preventing organ rejection after a transplant.
Prednisolone contains Prednisolone. It plays a vital role in treating a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body, including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, and certain cancers, and preventing organ rejection after a transplant. It also dampens the immune system, which may aid with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system incorrectly attacks its tissues.
Prednisolone is to be taken as advised by the doctor. Your dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. In some cases, you may experience weight gain, indigestion, problems sleeping (insomnia), restlessness, mild mood changes and sweating. Most of these side effects of Prednisolone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor before starting Prednisolone if you are allergic to corticosteroids or Prednisolone, have had a recent heart attack, hypertension, stomach ulcer, epilepsy, or diabetes. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor; you may need to reduce the dose as directed by the doctor gradually. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor to avoid any unwanted harm to the baby. And also, tell your doctor all the drugs you are taking to avoid any contraindication. When using Prednisolone in children, exercise extreme caution.
Uses of Prednisolone
• Anti-inflammatory Treatment: Prednisolone is frequently prescribed to reduce inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, colitis, and dermatitis.
• Allergic Reactions: Prednisolone helps manage severe allergies and skin reactions by suppressing the immune response effectively.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Prednisolone is used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis by reducing excessive immune system activity.
• Respiratory Issues: Prednisolone is used to manage chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD by alleviating airway inflammation.
• Post-Transplant Care: Prednisolone plays a key role in immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplants, helping to prevent organ rejection by the immune system.
Medicinal Benefits
Prednisolone plays a vital role in treating a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers known as ‘histamine,’ which is naturally involved in allergic reactions. Prednisolone is accepted to treat various medical conditions such as allergies, joint inflammation (arthritis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (e.g., lupus), certain eye diseases (e.g., keratitis), cancer (e.g., leukaemia), endocrine problems (e.g., adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis). It relieves the release of substances that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies. Besides this, it is also prescribed to prevent organ rejection after a transplant.
Directions for Use
- Prednisolone can be taken with food or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Prednisolone as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Prednisolone
- Weight gain
- Indigestion
- Problems sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling restless
- Sweating a lot
- Mild mood changes
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to steroids or any components present in Prednisolone. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Let your doctor know if you are with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), liver disease or kidney failure or have had seizures, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), tuberculosis or have ever been treated for tuberculosis, GI disorders, Heart disorders, Blood disorders (Had, have blood clots), mood swings or psychotic tendencies, adrenal gland disorders, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease). Prednisolone can cause dizziness, visual problems, and weariness. If you have such symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery. When using Prednisolone, exercise extreme caution. Make sure that children and teenagers get their height checked by a doctor on a regular basis so that any changes in their growth can be detected early. Avoid contact with individuals who have chickenpox or measles while taking Prednisolone, as this may increase the risk of severe infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Prednisolone may interact with medicines used to treat tuberculosis (e.g. rifampicin, isoniazid), blood thinners (e.g. aspirin, warfarin), antiepilepsy drugs (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), anticholinergics (e.g. amitriptyline), medicines used for myasthenia gravis (e.g. neostigmine), Antidiabetic medications (e.g. Insulin), HIV medications (e.g. cobicistat), sex hormones (e.g. estrogen), NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), Diuretics (e.g. thiazides, furosemide, ethacrylic acid), medicines are used to treat lung diseases or asthma (e.g. theophylline, salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeterol, formoterol), and an antibiotic used for fungal infection (e.g. amphotericin B).
Drug-Food Interactions: Prednisolone severely interacts with grapefruit and rich protein foods. Hence, it should not be taken with Prednisolone.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Prednisolone should be taken care of if you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), have or had a recent vaccination, infections, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis (GI perforation), prematurity problems, tuberculosis, hyperadrenocorticism (presence of an excess of adrenocortical hormones), hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood), liver disease or kidney failure, myasthenia gravis (a disease that causes muscle weakness), diabetes, and other heart diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Prednisolone to avoid unpleasant side effects like excessive dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionYour doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. Prednisolone isn't usually recommended in pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPrednisolone should be used during breastfeeding only after a careful assessment of the benefit-risk ratio to the mother and infant. You should not take Prednisolone without a doctor's advice.
Driving
cautionPrednisolone usually causes dizziness, drowsiness and visual disturbances, which may affect their ability to drive or operate machinery. Make sure you are not affected before driving or operating machinery.
Liver
cautionPrednisolone to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionPrednisolone to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionGenerally, Prednisolone is not recommended for children as it affects growth; take it only if prescribed. In case it has to be given, then the dose has to be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, reducing coughing.
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The main cause of a cough is acid reflux. One of the easiest ways to treat this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it is to avoid foods that can cause acid reflux.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- Try to sleep 7-9 hours each night to stay fit and safe.
- It is advised to avoid contacting known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc., and specific food items are known to cause an allergic reaction in you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- In individuals taking high or immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids, the administration of live or live attenuated vaccinations is not recommended and may be contraindicated. Using inactivated viral or bacterial vaccinations with caution is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: Allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements, typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens’. Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods, and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. One of the symptoms of allergy is a cough. Coughing occurs as a reflex action in the throat when mucus or any other foreign irritant is present.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, and swelling.
Respiratory disease: It is a condition that causes difficulty breathing by affecting the lungs or airways. It can be caused by infections, smoking, allergies, or pollution.
Ophthalmic disorder: It is a condition that affects the eyes or the structures surrounding them, causing vision, eye movement, or appearance issues. These conditions can be caused by injury, infection, age, or underlying diseases.
FAQs
Prednisolone is used to treat various medical conditions such as allergies, joint inflammation (arthritis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (e.g., lupus), certain eye diseases (e.g., keratitis), cancer (e.g., leukaemia), endocrine problems (e.g., adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis).
Prednisolone plays a vital role in treating a wide range of allergic reactions and inflammation in the body, including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, and certain cancers, and in preventing organ rejection after a transplant. It also suppresses the immune system, which may exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Depending upon the severity of your medical condition, your doctor may prescribe it to you daily for a specific duration. However, do not take it endlessly on your own without a doctor's advice.
Your symptoms may improve before the problem is completely cured. But, completing the full course of treatment would be suggested even if you feel better.
While taking Prednisolone, do not receive a vaccine (including measles, mumps, polio, chickenpox) as the vaccine may not work, and you may develop the disease again.
Yes, Prednisolone is known to cause an upset stomach. So, please take Prednisolone with a meal to avoid an upset stomach.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
