Prednisone
About Prednisone
Prednisone belongs to the class of 'Corticosteroids,' used to treat various conditions that are caused by inflammation in the body. These conditions include immune system disorders like lupus (immune system attacks its organs), multiple sclerosis (immune system attacks the nerves), arthritis, eye allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases like psoriasis (skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches), ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), and breathing disorders (asthma). It is also used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer. Inflammation is a biological response that occurs when the immune system responds to an irritant.
Prednisone contains Prednisone, a corticosteroid. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and immunosuppressant, which prevents or inhibits the activity of the immune system). Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is converted into Prednisolone after administration. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cells. It further suppresses the immune system by reducing its activity and volume. It thus minimises the symptoms of diseases like swelling and allergic reactions.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your medical condition. Prednisone has common side effects like headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight gain, acne, sweating, heartburn, and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary from person to person. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Prednisone or other medications. And also inform your doctor if you have liver, heart, or kidney diseases, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), depression, tuberculosis or any other medical conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Prednisone. Limit alcohol consumption since it may lead to stomach bleeding while using Prednisone. It is advisable to avoid driving until you feel better, as Prednisone can cause dizziness and impair your driving ability.
Uses of Prednisone
• Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases: Prednisone is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
• Treatment of Allergic Reactions: Prednisone is used in the treatment of allergic reactions like severe asthma, skin allergies, and anaphylaxis.
• Treatment of Inflammatory Conditions: Prednisone is used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), psoriasis, and eczema.
• Treatment of Respiratory Disorders: Prednisone is used in the treatment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and severe pneumonia.
• Treatment of Neoplastic diseases: Prednisone is used to manage symptoms in leukaemia and lymphoma, and helps reduce inflammation caused by chemotherapy.
• Treatment of Hormonal Disorders: Prednisone is used in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Medicinal Benefits
Prednisone contains Prednisone, a corticosteroid. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and immunosuppressant, which prevents or inhibits the activity of the immune system. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is converted into Prednisolone after administration. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cells. It also suppresses the immune system by reducing its activity and volume. It thus minimises the symptoms of diseases like inflammation, swelling and allergic reactions.
Directions for Use
- Prednisone may be taken with or without food, according to your doctor’s instructions.
- The dosage and frequency of Prednisone should follow your doctor’s prescribed guidance.
- Swallow the medication whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
Storage
Side Effects of Prednisone
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain
- Acne
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Prednisone or other medications. Use of Prednisone is not recommended in people with liver, heart, or kidney diseases, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), depression, and tuberculosis. However, please consult a doctor before starting Prednisone. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Prednisone. Limit alcohol consumption since it may lead to stomach bleeding while using Prednisone. It is advisable to avoid driving until you feel better, as Prednisone can cause dizziness and impair your driving ability. Prednisone can affect blood sugar levels; therefore, careful monitoring is necessary. Prednisone should be used in children only when advised by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Prednisone may interact with anticancer drugs (aldesleukin), abortion-causing drugs (mifepristone), pain killers (aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen), blood thinners (dabigatran, clopidogrel, warfarin), fits medicines (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin), antivirals (ritonavir), antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampicin and rifabutin), respiratory medicines (theophylline), and live vaccines.
Drug-Food Interaction: Prednisone may interact with grapefruit and protein-rich foods. Hence, avoid taking them along with Prednisone.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have asthma, diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, cataract or glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), thyroid diseases, heart or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Prednisone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit alcohol consumption since it may lead to stomach bleeding while using Prednisone. Please consult your doctor for more information before using Prednisone.
Pregnancy
cautionPrednisone should be used in pregnancy only if necessary and advised by your doctor. Please consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant before starting Prednisone.
Breast Feeding
cautionPrednisone may be excreted into breast milk when used by a breastfeeding woman. Please consult the doctor before using Prednisone if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionPrednisone may cause dizziness and may interfere with your driving ability. Please do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver disease or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Prednisone.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Prednisone.
Children
cautionPrednisone should be given to children only when advised by your child's doctor. The doctor will decide the dosage based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage stress and get at least six to eight hours of sleep to rejuvenate your body.
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain your blood glucose levels.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Monitor your weight and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy heart.
Special Advise
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly since Prednisone in Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels in diabetes.
- Prednisone may interfere with live vaccines; therefore, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccination.
- Prednisone may interfere with specific laboratory tests, including skin tests. Hence, inform your doctor and laboratory staff in advance that you are using Prednisone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Inflammation: It is a biological response that occurs when the immune system responds to an irritant. The irritant can be any physical factor, like a germ or a foreign object. Inflammation can occur due to various factors, such as pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi; injuries caused by foreign objects, such as a splinter; and exposure to chemicals or radiation. Signs of inflammation include pain, swelling, heat, redness, and loss of function. Some long-term diseases caused by inflammatory conditions include asthma, peptic ulcers, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis, diabetes, and cancer.
FAQs
Prednisone belongs to the class of Corticosteroids, used to treat various conditions that are caused by inflammation in the body. These conditions include immune system disorders like lupus (immune system attacks its organs), multiple sclerosis (immune system attacks the nerves), arthritis, eye allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases like psoriasis (skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches), ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), and breathing disorders (asthma).
Prednisone consists of Prednisone, a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory agent and an immunosuppressant. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cells. It also suppresses the immune system by reducing its activity and volume. It thus minimises the symptoms of diseases like inflammation, swelling and allergic reactions.
It is not recommended to take Prednisone on your own since it may lead to unwanted side effects. Prednisone is a prescription-based medicine that should be strictly used under medical guidance.
Prednisone can affect live vaccines, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), typhoid vaccine, and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine. It may increase the risk of harmful effects. Please consult a doctor before starting Prednisone if you have received any vaccinations.
Please consult your doctor before using Prednisone if you have liver, heart or kidney diseases, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cataract or glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), depression, and tuberculosis. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Prednisone or its components and have any other medical concerns.
Prednisone consists of Prednisone, which may cause a rise in blood sugar levels by suppressing insulin secretion. Hence, it is advised to consult your doctor before starting Prednisone.
Continue using Prednisone as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping steroids such as Prednisone suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. When your treatment is finished, your doctor will help you reduce the medication gradually. Follow their advice and consult your doctor if you require further information.
