Prednisone

If your immune system is hyperactive, Prednisone, a corticosteroid medication, can help reduce inflammation and calm it down. Prednisone treats various illnesses, including asthma, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lupus, psoriasis, allergic diseases, skin issues, and Crohn's disease. Three different forms of Prednisone are available: tablets with an immediate release, delayed release, and liquid. Each of these dosages is consumed orally.

Prednisone works by reducing inflammation, calming a hyperactive immune system, or replacing cortisol that the body normally produces. The hormone cortisol is crucial to how the body reacts to stress, disease, and damage.

Prednisone is classified within the category of medications known as corticosteroids, frequently referred to as steroids. It is available in the form of immediate-release oral tablets that are ingested, which means the drug is rapidly released and absorbed by the body upon ingestion.

Prednisone brand-name versions

The immediate-release tablet form of prednisone is exclusively accessible in its generic version; no brand-name version is available.

What are the uses of Prednisone?

Prednisone often treats several illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, eye problems, severe allergies, breathing issues, skin diseases, cancer, and immune system abnormalities. Prednisone is a member of the corticosteroid medication class. It lessens the immune system's responsiveness to certain illnesses to lessen symptoms, including swelling and allergic-like responses.

How and when should I take Prednisone?

This medicine should be taken orally with a glass of water or milk. You can take this with meals. The prescription label's instructions should be followed. If you take the medication in liquid form, use a proper measuring device or spoon to accurately measure the dosage. Take this medication in the morning if you only take it once daily.

Your doctor will determine the amount and duration of your treatment based on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment. Avoid stopping this medication without first talking to your doctor. When this medication is abruptly discontinued, some problems may get worse. Symptoms including fatigue, weakness, weight loss, nausea, headaches, muscular pain, and dizziness may also appear.

What are the side effects of Prednisone?

Prednisone often has moderate side effects, especially when used in smaller doses and for a brief period. They could persist for a few days to a few weeks. Speak with your doctor if adverse symptoms intensify or persist.

Common side effects may include:

• Acne
• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Increased blood pressure 
• Increased blood sugar
• Increased appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Fluid retention
• Restlessness and inability to stay still
• Thinning skin
• Weight gain

Prednisone's most severe side effects typically include allergic reactions, infections, digestive problems, and high blood sugar. This might happen if patients use the drug longer or in higher doses. Prednisone side effects can range in intensity and kind based on a person's overall health, age, and other medications they take. Women are more prone to encounter these adverse effects than males.

What precautions should be taken?

• If you have an allergy to Prednisone, any other drugs, or any inactive components in Prednisone tablets or solutions, let your doctor and chemist know immediately.
• Prednisone can keep you from experiencing symptoms if you have an infection while also decreasing your body's capacity to fight it. Avoid contact with sick people when taking this medicine, and do your best to keep your hands clean.
• If used longer, this medicine can retard a child's growth. To learn more, speak with your physician. Regular medical visits will allow the growth and height of your child to be monitored.
• This medicine may result in gastrointestinal bleeding. Alcohol use on a regular basis while taking this medication may raise your risk of stomach bleeding.
• During pregnancy, this drug should be taken only when necessary. It is quite unlikely to damage an unborn baby.
• Elderly people may be more vulnerable to this medication's adverse effects, including bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/emotional problems.

What happens If I miss a dose or take an overdose of Prednisone?

The missing dosage should be taken as soon as you recall. If the next dose is due, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dosage to make up for a missing one.

It is unlikely that a Prednisone overdose may result in fatal symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can result in side effects like menstrual concerns, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. Other symptoms include thinning skin, changes in the shape or location of body fat, easy bruising, increased acne or facial hair, and changes in the shape or location of your body hair. Seek medical help immediately.

What are the storage conditions for Prednisone?

• The drug needs to be stored in a secure container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and strong light.
• Prednisone solution should be discarded 90 days after the bottle is first opened.
• Keep out of children's reach.

Caution with other medicine

Prednisone interacts with many medications and substances since it is a steroid. As a result, anyone on Prednisone must inform their doctors about all the medications they are currently taking. Prednisone has the following drug interactions:

• Oral Birth Control pill
• Antibiotic called fluoroquinolones
• Blood thinners
• Diabetes medicine
• Heart medications
• Antidepressants
• Ibuprofen and salicylates
• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics

How quickly does Prednisone show results?

It may take a few days to fully experience the effects of Prednisone. However, it should begin to act within a few hours.

Prednisone vs Celebrex

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Prednisone and COX-2?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. CCOX-2 is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily used to relieve pain and inflammation.

2. How long do you use prednisone?

The duration of prednisone use varies depending on the medical condition being treated. It can be short-term for acute issues or longer-term for chronic conditions, under a doctor's supervision.

3. Is prednisone safe for kidneys?

Prolonged use of prednisone can have adverse effects on the kidneys. It's crucial to use it as prescribed and monitor kidney function with a healthcare provider.

4. When should I take prednisone?

Prednisone dosing instructions, including timing, depend on the condition being treated. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance for the most appropriate timing.

5. Is prednisone a painkiller?

Prednisone is not a painkiller but a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. It may indirectly alleviate pain caused by inflammation but does not primarily target pain relief.

6. Can prednisone cause shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath is a potential side effect of prednisone, particularly when used in higher doses or for extended periods. If you experience this, consult your doctor promptly to adjust the treatment plan.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6007-9383/Prednisone-oral/Prednisone-oral/details https://www.drugwatch.com/Prednisone/
https://www.drugs.com/Prednisone.html#dosage
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699022.html

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.