Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: prednisolone (oral)
BRAND NAMES: Prednisolone, Pediapred Oral Liquid Medrol
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal
corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal
glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent
anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory
conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain
skin rashes,
and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. There are numerous
preparations of corticosteroids including tablets, capsules, liquids, topical
creams and gels, inhalers, eye drops, as well as injectable and intravenous
solutions. The FDA approved prednisolone in June 1955.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS:
- Tablets: 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 32 mg.
- Syrup or Suspension: 5 or 15 mg/5 ml (teaspoon).
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Do
not refrigerate.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Prednisolone is used to achieve prompt suppression of
inflammation in many inflammatory and allergic conditions. Examples of
inflammatory conditions include rheumatoid arthritis,
systemic lupus,
acute
gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
Severe allergic conditions that fail conventional treatment may also respond to
prednisolone. Examples include bronchial asthma,
allergic rhinitis,
drug-induced
dermatitis, and contact and atopic dermatitis. Chronic skin conditions treated
with prednisolone include dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus, severe psoriasis
and severe seborrheic dermatitis. Chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions
of the uvea, iris, conjunctiva and optic nerves of the eyes are also treated
with prednisolone.
Prednisolone also is used in the treatment of blood cell cancers (leukemiias),
and lymph gland cancers (lymphomas). Blood diseases involving destruction of
platelets by the body's own immune cells (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura),
and destruction of red blood cells by immune cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia)
can also be treated with prednisolone. Other miscellaneous conditions treated
with prednisolone include thyroiditis and sarcoidosis. Prednisolone is also used
as a hormone replacement in patients whose adrenal glands are unable to produce
sufficient amounts of corticosteroids.
DOSING: Dosage requirements of corticosteroids vary among individuals
and the diseases being treated. The usual starting dose range is 5 mg to 60 mg
daily depending on the disease being treated. Doses are adjusted based on
patient response. In general, the lowest possible effective dose is used.
Corticosteroids given in multiple doses throughout the day are more effective
but also more toxic than alternate-day therapy where twice the daily dose is
administered every other morning. Prednisolone should be taken with food.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Cortisone Injection - Read about cortisone injection treatment for inflammation, allergic reaction, sciatica and arthritis. Learn about side effects and complications of a cortisone shot.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
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