Prednisone, along with prednisolone and methylprednisolone, are types of oral steroids commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation in the body. These medications, known under brand names like Prelone, Pediapred, Deltasone, Orapred, and Medrol, are effective in reducing swelling, particularly in the bronchi, the crucial airways of the lungs.
Key Uses of Prednisone
Prednisone’s versatility extends to treating a range of conditions beyond respiratory issues. It is frequently used to manage:
- Respiratory Conditions: By reducing inflammation in the airways, prednisone helps manage conditions like asthma and other bronchial inflammations, making breathing easier.
- Skin Disorders: Various skin conditions characterized by inflammation and irritation can be effectively treated with prednisone, helping to soothe discomfort and promote healing.
- Arthritis: The anti-inflammatory properties of prednisone make it valuable in managing different forms of arthritis, reducing joint pain and swelling.
- Allergic Reactions: From severe allergies to insect stings to drug reactions, prednisone can quickly suppress the body’s overactive immune response, providing relief from allergic symptoms.
- Preventing Transplant Rejection: In transplant patients, prednisone plays a critical role in suppressing the immune system to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ.
Prednisone and prednisolone are typically available in both tablet and liquid forms, offering flexibility in administration. Methylprednisolone is generally available as a tablet.
Important Instructions and Precautions
Using prednisone effectively and safely requires careful adherence to medical advice. Key instructions include:
- Prescription and Dosage: The correct dosage of prednisone is highly individualized, especially for children, and must be determined and prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s specific instructions.
- Adherence to Dosage Schedule: Maintaining a consistent dosage schedule and avoiding missed doses is vital for the medication’s effectiveness. Consult your doctor for guidance on managing the dosing schedule, particularly for long-term use (more than 1-2 weeks).
- Never Self-Medicate or Abruptly Stop: Prednisone should never be administered without consulting a doctor first. Similarly, abruptly discontinuing prednisone, especially after prolonged use, can be harmful and should only be done under medical supervision.
- Taking with Food: To minimize potential stomach upset, it is recommended to take prednisone with food.
- Surgery and Stressful Situations: Inform your doctor if you are taking prednisone and are scheduled for surgery or anticipate stressful situations, as dose adjustments might be necessary.
- Expiration Date and Storage: Always check the expiration date and discard any expired medication. Keep prednisone out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Overdose: In case of accidental overdose, immediately contact the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or seek immediate medical attention.
Potential Side Effects
While prednisone is effective, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
- Common Side Effects: These can include increased appetite, mood changes or mood swings, elevated blood sugar levels, and increased weight gain.
- Serious Side Effects: More serious side effects may include infections (indicated by sore throat, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), decreased bone growth in children, and stomach ulcers.
When to Contact Your Doctor
It is crucial to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Emergency Symptoms: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, vomiting blood, or dizziness require immediate medical attention.
- Persistent or Severe Symptoms: Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent sore throat, fever, stomach pain, skin rash, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs to watch for include swelling in the feet, unusual tiredness, changes in appetite, unexplained weight gain, puffy face, mood changes, increased thirst, blurred vision, menstrual irregularities, or slow wound healing.
Prednisone is a powerful medication with significant benefits for various inflammatory conditions. However, it requires careful and informed use under the guidance of a healthcare professional to maximize its benefits and minimize potential risks. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice and management.
