Prednisolone: A Comprehensive Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Prednisolone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication often used to treat conditions with inflammation and overactive immune responses. It’s critical to take this medication exactly as your doctor prescribes, as misuse can lead to severe side effects. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Consider our telemedicine service for fast, reliable consultations.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Prelone (Prednisolone)

‘Generic name’ refers to the name of the active ingredient. In this case, Prednisolone is the generic name, which you’ll find in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Prednisolone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Other drugs in this category include prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone.

Dosing

Prednisolone is used to treat numerous conditions in adults. Dosage can vary significantly based on the specific condition, the patient’s overall health, and their response to treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosage. If immediate advice is needed, our telemedicine service is available for consultation.

• Allergic reactions
• Asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Prednisolone is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 25mg
• Solution: 15mg/5mL

Administration Instructions

Take prednisolone with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or break them. If using the liquid form, use the provided dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device. Do not stop using prednisolone abruptly; your doctor will need to taper your dose down gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

While prednisolone can provide significant relief from symptoms, it can also cause side effects, some of which may be severe. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking prednisolone, contact your healthcare provider immediately or utilize our telemedicine service for quick consultation.

• Mood changes: Feeling irritable, anxious, or having changes in behavior are common.
• Increased appetite and weight gain: These often occur due to the effects of prednisolone on metabolism.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person. Prednisolone has several contraindications:

• Systemic fungal infection: Prednisolone may weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to control the infection.
• Allergy to prednisolone or any of its components: This can lead to severe reactions including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic response.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several drugs may interact with Prednisolone. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential interactions with other medications you are taking. Some examples include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven): Prednisolone may increase the effects of this blood thinner, raising the risk of bleeding.
• Phenytoin (Dilantin): This medication used for seizures may decrease the effectiveness of prednisolone.

Prednisolone in Pregnancy

Prednisolone should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medication.

Prednisolone while Breastfeeding

Prednisolone passes into breast milk but is considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nonetheless, always consult your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed while taking this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Prednisolone without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $10 for 60 tablets of the 5mg strength. Prices may vary by location and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

There may be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that can help manage the conditions Prednisolone is prescribed for. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. If immediate advice is needed, our telemedicine service is available for consultation.

Recent Updates on Prednisolone Research

Research into Prednisolone is ongoing. Recently, studies have investigated the effects of prednisolone on COVID-19 symptoms and its potential use in managing severe viral infections. Always discuss new research and treatment options with your healthcare provider or utilize our telemedicine service for fast, reliable consultations.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.