PREDNISOLONE
Background and Date of Approval
Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1955 for the treatment of allergic conditions.
Uses
Prednisolone helps to treat inflammatory or allergic conditions affecting the brain (caused by tumors or meningitis) and lungs (caused by asthma, hypersensitivity, or tuberculosis). It also treats rheumatic, skin, eye, and endocrine disorders. In certain types of cancer, this drug may be used as part of chemotherapy regimens to help manage side effects like nausea and vomiting.
How is it administered?
Take the Prednisolone Tablet as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Prednisolone are headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, dizziness, vertigo and blood clotting. Some serious side effects also include inflammation of the pancreas (very severe abdominal pains), mental health problems, severe allergic reactions (swelling on the face, tongue, or throat) and painful skin ulcers.
Warnings
This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Stop taking this tablet and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or skin symptoms. Inform your doctor of any heart, thyroid, kidney, or liver disease. Your physician may prescribe you a low dose and perform regular blood tests. Prednisolone can suppress the immune system's ability to fight off viral infections. Therefore, it is generally contraindicated in individuals with active systemic viral infections, such as herpes zoster (shingles) or varicella (chickenpox). Before receiving any vaccinations, notify your physician if you are taking any other steroid medications. Steroids can affect the body's immune response, and it is generally advised to avoid receiving live vaccines while on steroid treatment.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning for the pregnancy, it is generally recommended to consult your doctor for more advice before taking this tablet. Contact your physician for more information if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Prednisolone Tablets should be used cautiously in patients with a known history of kidney dysfunction. The medication can worsen kidney function or cause other adverse effects on the kidneys. Close monitoring of kidney function tests, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine levels, are important while receiving this drug.
Word of Advice
Prednisolone can increase the risk of eye complications, including posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma, which may result in vision loss if untreated. Additionally, corticosteroids can suppress immune function, increasing susceptibility to secondary ocular infections caused by fungi or viruses. It is therefore important to use corticosteroids at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimise the risk of these adverse effects. Should patients experience any changes in vision or eye discomfort whilst taking Prednisolone or any other corticosteroid, they should inform their doctor immediately. Patients should take this medicine daily as prescribed for optimal benefit, even when feeling well.
References
Wockhardt UK Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2023], [Accessed on 6th June 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2427.pdf Package leaflet: Information for the user -Prednisolone. www.hpra.ie . [Revised on March 2021], https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/727debd4-8bc0-4773-9543-2c33f8b88fef.pdf [Accessed on 6th June 2023]. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Respiratory system drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 230.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can Prednisolone be used for?
Prednisolone is commonly prescribed to treat many conditions, including asthma, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, certain skin disorders, and some types of cancer.
How does Prednisolone work?
Prednisolone inhibits the transcription of genes involved in the inflammatory response, including those encoding inflammatory mediators like interleukins and prostaglandins. By reducing the production of these proinflammatory substances, this drug helps to alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.
How should Prednisolone be taken?
Prednisolone is usually taken orally in the form of tablets. The duration and dosage of treatment will depend on the patient's specific condition. It is important to follow the instructions and stay within the prescribed dose.
Are there any side effects associated with Prednisolone?
Yes, Prednisolone can cause various side effects, especially when used for prolonged periods or at high doses. Some common side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, insomnia, higher susceptibility to infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Can Prednisolone interact with other medications?
Yes, Prednisolone can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, antifungal drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain vaccines. Before initiating the treatment, it is important to inform your physician about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.