Prednisolone

Brand Name:

Deltasone, Predicot, PredniSONE Intensol, Rayos, Strerapred, Sterapred DS.

Prednisolone, also known and sold under the trade names of Deltasone, Predicot, PredniSONE Intensol, Rayos, Strerapred, and Sterapred DS, is a product which is a man – made form of a natural substance, known as corticosteroid hormone, which is normally found in the human’s body.

This medication is used in the treatment of several conditions, e.g. arthritis, blood problems, immune system disorders, eye problems, skin problems, breathing problems, cancer, and allergies.

It is considered to work by decreasing the immune system response to various symptoms, e.g. swelling, pain and allergic – type reactions. This medication is available in many forms – a tablet, a solution and syrup.

Before the decision to start the treatment with this medication is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, about the potential risks and side effects.

For this decision to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations, it is very important to inform the doctor about:

• Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any specific kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric - Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age-related risks and side effects when this medication had been used in pediatric patients. However, it must be used with extra caution.
• Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age-related risks and side effects when this medication had been used in geriatric patients. However, due to the increased sensitivity and increased risk of kidney and liver problems, this medication must be sued with extra caution.
• Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. Proper studies done have confirmed that there is a risk to the fetus when this medication had been used during pregnancy. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. Proper studies done have confirmed that this medication is extracted in the milk and it poses a minimal risk to the infant. Because of this, it is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers.
• Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur. However, sometimes, the doctor may decide to use a certain combination, including two or more medications, to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.
• Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with specific kind of food, tobacco, and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific type of diet and discontinue you use of tobacco and alcohol during the treatment with this medication.
• Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions from the past or at the moment. Especially, if there are any of the following conditions present – cataracts, congestive heart, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes, glaucoma, eye infection, heart attack, hyperglycemia, hypertension, mood changes, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, stomach/intestinal problems, thyroid problems, tuberculosis, and peptic ulcer.

For proper use, follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the forms of a tablet, a solution, and syrup, for oral route.

Swallow the tablet whole, with or without water, as directed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet. If you are using this medication in the form of a solution or syrup, it is essential to measure the prescribed dose, using a proper measurement instrument, probably provided with the medication.

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment.

In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to take each dose regularly. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor right away for further directions.

Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed. These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment if there are any serious side effects present that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reaction to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the studies that confirm the risk that this medication poses to the fetus. At least two proven forms of birth control should be used during the treatment with this medication.

Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the studies that confirm that this medication is extracted in the milk as well as that it poses minimal risk to the infant. This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness to occur. Avoid driving and any other activities that require alertness during the treatment with this medication.

Along with its needed beneficial effects, there are potential side effects that could occur. These side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious.

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Menstrual period changes
• Increased sweating
• Acne

These are common side effects which are not considered as serious. However, if their presence persists or worsens, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Serious side effects

• Unusual tiredness
• Vision problems
• Unusual/unexplained weight gain
• Unexplained/easy bleeding/bruising
• Mood changes

These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor as soon as possible

• Skin rash
• Itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet
• Trouble sleeping
• Severe dizziness