Common use
Prednisolone is a synthetic analogue of the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone. The drug causes significant anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, anti exudative, antishock, anti-toxic effects. Anti-inflammatory effect of prednisolone is achieved mainly associated with cytosolic glucocorticosteroid receptors. The complex between the hormone and the receptor penetrates into the nucleus of the target skin cell enhances expression of the genes that code synthesis of lipoproteins, the substances which inhibit phospholipase A2 and reduce the synthesis of metabolic products of arachidonic acid cyclic known to participate in inflammatory reaction. Antiallergic effect of the drug is explained by its ability to decrease the number of basophils and inhibit synthesis and secretion of biologically active substances. Prednisolone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, collagenosis (skin conditions), infectious nonspecific polyarthritis, psoriasis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, bronchial asthma, acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukaemia, neurodermatitis, eczema, Addison disease (decreased adrenal function), and many others.
Dosage and direction
Individual dosing is necessary for each condition. Acute conditions and initial dose are usually 5-60 mg a day. The maintenance dose is usually 5-10 mg a day. Do not take more of Prednisolone than it was prescribed to you. Follow all recommendations of your doctor.
Precautions
Inform your doctor about all diseases you have and especially about liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, tuberculosis, malaria, myasthenia gravis, stomach ulcerations, glaucoma, mental illness as use of the steroid may influence these conditions. Steroid medications are known to weaken the immune system, so it may become easier for you to be infected anew or your existing infection may worsen. Inform your doctor if you have been sick recently with infection. Avoid sick people. Inform your doctor if you contact with people with chickenpox or measles because these diseases are maybe fatally dangerous to people treated by steroids. You should not be vaccinated by? live? vaccines during treatment with Prednisolone. Do not interrupt treatment with Prednisolone suddenly to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor about your pregnancy.
Contraindications
This medication cannot be used in the patients with severe hypertension, diabetes and Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, in pregnant women, severe circulatory failure, acute endocarditis (inflammation of the inner cavities of the heart), psychosis, nephritis, osteoporosis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, recently surgery, syphilis, the active form of tuberculosis, in elderly patients.
Side effects
This medication may be a reason of obesity, hirsutism (excess body hair growth in women), acne, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome (obesity, decreased sexual function, bone fragility), gastrointestinal ulceration, ulcer perforation, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), increase in blood clotting, mental disorders. Withdrawal symptoms are possible, especially after long treatment. Other side effects which should be informed about to your doctor if they worsen are changes in vision, depression, seizures, bloody or tarry stools, low potassium (increased urination, extreme thirst, uneven heart rate), hypertension.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use of Prednisolone and anti-diabetic and anticoagulant drugs requires correction of the doses. In patients with Addison disease concomitant use of Prednisolone and barbiturates should be exercised with cautiousness.
Missed dose
If you forgot to take your dose in time, contact your doctor or a health care advisor.
Overdose
This medication is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. Dangerous conditions may be caused by prolonged use of the medication: easy bruising, thinning skin, body fat located in the back, face, neck, and waist, acne or facial hair growth, impotence, menstrual problems.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.
