What are the uses of prednisone. How does prednisolone work in the body. What are the common side effects of prednisone. How should prednisone be taken for maximum effectiveness. What precautions should be considered when using prednisone. How does prednisone compare to other corticosteroids. What are the long-term effects of prednisone use.

Understanding Prednisone: A Powerful Corticosteroid Medication

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that belongs to a class of medications known as glucocorticoids. It is widely prescribed for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Prednisone is available in various forms, including tablets, liquid solutions, and delayed-release tablets. One common packaging format is the prednisone blister pack, which typically contains prednisolone 5 mg tablets in a convenient dose pack of 21 tabs.

How does prednisone work in the body?

Prednisone works by mimicking the effects of natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation by:

• Inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals
• Reducing the activity of white blood cells
• Decreasing the permeability of blood vessels
• Stabilizing cell membranes

These actions make prednisone effective in treating a wide range of conditions characterized by inflammation or overactive immune responses.

Medical Conditions Treated with Prednisone

Prednisone is prescribed for numerous medical conditions due to its versatile therapeutic effects. Some of the common conditions treated with prednisone include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders
• Severe allergic reactions
• Asthma and other respiratory conditions
• Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Certain types of cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lupus
• Nephrotic syndrome

The versatility of prednisone in treating various conditions stems from its ability to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Dosage and Administration of Prednisone

The dosage of prednisone varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and the patient’s response to the medication. Typically, prednisone is prescribed in a tapering dose, where the initial dose is higher and gradually reduced over time.

How should prednisone be taken for maximum effectiveness?

To maximize the effectiveness of prednisone:

1. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider
2. Do not stop taking prednisone abruptly without medical supervision
3. Take the medication with food to reduce stomach irritation
4. If using a delayed-release tablet, swallow it whole without crushing or chewing
5. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels

It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage schedule carefully to ensure optimal therapeutic benefits and minimize potential side effects.

Side Effects and Precautions of Prednisone Use

While prednisone is an effective medication for many conditions, it can cause a range of side effects, especially with long-term use or high doses.

What are the common side effects of prednisone?

Common side effects of prednisone include:

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Mood changes, including irritability and anxiety
• Insomnia
• Fluid retention and swelling
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
• Skin thinning and easy bruising
• Increased risk of infections
• Adrenal suppression

It’s important to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.

What precautions should be considered when using prednisone?

When taking prednisone, consider the following precautions:

• Inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions, especially diabetes, osteoporosis, or stomach ulcers
• Disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking
• Avoid live vaccines while on prednisone unless approved by your doctor
• Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly
• Be aware of the increased risk of infections and report any signs of illness promptly
• Discuss the potential need for calcium and vitamin D supplements to protect bone health

These precautions can help minimize risks and ensure safe use of prednisone.

Comparing Prednisone to Other Corticosteroids

Prednisone is one of several corticosteroids used in medical treatment. Understanding how it compares to other medications in its class can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options.

How does prednisone compare to other corticosteroids?

Prednisone differs from other corticosteroids in several ways:

• Potency: Prednisone is considered medium-potency compared to hydrocortisone (low) and dexamethasone (high)
• Duration of action: Prednisone has an intermediate duration of action, lasting about 12-36 hours
• Mineralocorticoid effects: Prednisone has moderate mineralocorticoid activity, affecting salt and water balance
• Conversion: Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted to prednisolone in the liver
• Flexibility: Available in various dosage forms, allowing for flexible dosing regimens

These characteristics make prednisone a versatile option for many conditions, balancing efficacy and side effect profile.

Long-Term Effects and Considerations of Prednisone Use

While prednisone can be highly effective for short-term use, long-term administration requires careful consideration due to potential cumulative effects on the body.

What are the long-term effects of prednisone use?

Extended use of prednisone can lead to several long-term effects:

• Osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Cataracts and glaucoma
• Muscle weakness and atrophy
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Skin changes, including thinning and easy bruising
• Metabolic changes, including diabetes and lipid disorders

Healthcare providers carefully weigh the benefits and risks of long-term prednisone use, often implementing strategies to minimize these effects.

Prednisone Withdrawal and Tapering

Abruptly stopping prednisone, especially after long-term use, can lead to serious health complications. This is due to the body’s reliance on the medication for cortisol-like effects and the suppression of natural cortisol production.

Why is tapering necessary when stopping prednisone?

Tapering prednisone is crucial for several reasons:

• Allows the adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production
• Prevents withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and low blood pressure
• Reduces the risk of adrenal crisis, a potentially life-threatening condition
• Helps manage the underlying condition as medication is gradually reduced
• Minimizes the risk of flare-ups of the treated condition

The tapering schedule is individualized based on the duration of use, dosage, and patient’s response. It may take weeks or months to safely discontinue prednisone.

Prednisone in Special Populations

The use of prednisone requires special consideration in certain populations due to potential risks and altered effects.

How does prednisone use differ in pregnant women, children, and the elderly?

Prednisone use varies among different populations:

• Pregnant women: Used cautiously, as it can cross the placenta. Benefits must outweigh potential risks to the fetus
• Children: May affect growth and development. Lowest effective dose for the shortest duration is recommended
• Elderly: More susceptible to side effects. Requires careful monitoring and often lower doses
• Patients with diabetes: Can increase blood sugar levels, necessitating adjustment of diabetes medications
• Individuals with osteoporosis: May exacerbate bone loss, requiring preventive measures

Healthcare providers tailor prednisone treatment to these special populations, balancing efficacy and safety.

Prednisone, available in convenient blister packs of prednisolone 5 mg tablets, is a powerful medication used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Its effectiveness in modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation makes it a valuable tool in managing various diseases. However, the potential for side effects and long-term complications necessitates careful consideration and monitoring during its use. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate dosage, duration of treatment, and management of potential side effects. By understanding the benefits and risks associated with prednisone use, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment and optimize their health outcomes.

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Medrol (Pak) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin/kidney/intestinal/lung diseases, and immune system disorders. It decreases your immune system’s response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling, pain, and allergic-type reactions. This medication is a corticosteroid hormone.Methylprednisolone may also be used with other medications in hormone disorders.

How to use Medrol

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually with food or milk. Follow your dosing instructions carefully. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Different dosing schedules exist for this medication. If you are not taking the same dose each day or if you take this medication every other day, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used methylprednisolone for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. See also Precautions section.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, appetite changes, increased sweating, or acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills, cough, white patches in the mouth).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual weight gain, menstrual period changes, bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as mood swings, depression, agitation), muscle weakness/pain, puffy face, slow wound healing, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, thinning skin, unusual hair/skin growth, vision problems, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, symptoms of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking methylprednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to prednisone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), heart problems (such as recent heart attack, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, current/past infections (such as those caused by tuberculosis, threadworm, herpes, fungus), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, depression, anxiety), stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), seizures.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Methylprednisolone can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using methylprednisolone before having any immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication. See also Medical Alert section.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

This medication may slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height and growth can be checked.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, mifepristone, other drugs that can also cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as warfarin/dabigatran, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, aspirin, salicylates).

If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Other medications can affect the removal of methylprednisolone from your body, which may affect how methylprednisolone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), cyclosporine, estrogens, HIV protease inhibitors (such as darunavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), ritonavir, St. John’s wort, some drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin, phenobarbital), among others.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Medrol interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

If this medication is used for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar/mineral levels, blood pressure, eye exams, bone density tests, height/weight measurements) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Taking this medication for a long time may cause brittle bones (osteoporosis). Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and limiting alcohol. Consult your doctor for specific advice.

If you are taking this medication once daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you do not take the same dose each day or if you take this medication every other day, ask your doctor or pharmacist what you should do if you miss a dose.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Medrol (Pak) 4 mg tablets in a dose pack

Color: whiteShape: ellipticalImprint: MEDROL 4

This medicine is a white, elliptical, double-scored, tablet imprinted with “MEDROL 4”.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The active substance is PREDNISOLONE (PREDNISOLONUM) | Compendium – drug reference book

• Pharmacological properties
• Indications PREDNISOLONE
• Application of PREDNISOLINE
• Contraindications
• Side effects
• Special instructions
• Interactions
• Diagnosis
• Recommended alternatives
• Trade names

Medicinal preparations containing the active substance PREDNISOLONE

Prednisolone

ointment 0. 5% tube 10 g, № 1

Krasnaya Zvezda

Pharmacy prices

Prednisolone

injection solution 30 mg/ml ampoule 1 ml in a blister pack, No. 5

Stada

Prices in pharmacies

Prices in pharmacies

Prices in pharmacies

Prednisolone is a synthetic dehydrated analogue of hydrocortisone (adrenal cortex hormone). According to pharmacological activity, it is about 4 times more active than hydrocortisone. It inhibits the secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland, acts on protein and carbohydrate metabolism, to a lesser extent – on water and salt. Enhances protein catabolism; increases the concentration of glucose and fatty acids in the blood plasma. Inhibits bone formation. Promotes the accumulation of glycogen in the liver, increases the excretion of nitrogen and potassium in the urine, enhances the reabsorption of sodium and water, increases the excretion of potassium, leads to the development of eosin and lymphopenia, neutrophilia. Like other corticosteroids, prednisolone has an anti-allergic, desensitizing, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, anti-shock effect.

The anti-inflammatory effect is due to the inhibition of the metabolism of arachidonic acid and the release of inflammatory mediators. It has an immunosuppressive effect.

After oral administration, it is rapidly and almost completely absorbed. C _{max active substance in blood plasma is reached after 1-2 hours. Metabolites are excreted from the body mainly with urine.}

is prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, acute lympho- and myeloblastic leukemia, infectious mononucleosis, BA, neurodermatitis, eczema, shock of various origins, burn disease, to suppress transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, viral hepatitis, acute pancreatitis and other pathological processes requiring the use of GCS.

Ointment: inflammatory and allergic skin diseases of non-microbial etiology.

by mouth regardless of food intake. Adults are prescribed an initial dose of 20-75 mg / day, then the dose is reduced to a maintenance dose of 5-25 mg / day (abrupt discontinuation may cause an exacerbation of the disease). In chronic diseases and diseases with a mild course, it is prescribed in lower doses. Treatment is stopped only by gradually reducing the dose, and at the end, corticotropin (10–20 IU / day) is administered to prevent possible adrenal atrophy.

Higher doses for adults inside: single – 0.015 g, daily – 0.1 g. The duration of admission depends on the nature of the disease, its severity, the therapeutic effect achieved.

Children are administered orally in doses: at the age of 4 years – 0.001 g / kg of body weight per day, 5-6 years – 0.02 g, 7-9 years – 0.025-0.03 g, 10-14 years – 0.025–0.04 g.

In urgent situations, to immediately increase the content of corticosteroids in the blood, use parenterally. In / m or / in adults are administered in a daily dose of 25-50 mg.

GCS should be used in the minimum effective dose for the minimum time necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Ointment: apply a thin layer of 0.5% ointment to the affected areas of the skin (you can apply a warming bandage) 1-3 times a day for 6-14 days. If necessary, treatment can be continued.

Itsenko-Cushing’s disease, severe hypertension, stage III heart failure, acute endocarditis, pregnancy, nephritis, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, psychosis, recent surgery, syphilis, active form of tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, allergic reactions on GCS in history, edema of various origins.

Ointment: skin infections, tuberculosis, pyoderma, mycosis, skin ulcers and wounds; period of pregnancy.

in the treatment of prednisolone, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of developing adrenal atrophy, hyperglycemia, up to diabetes mellitus, increased excretion of calcium, the development of osteoporosis, slowing down regeneration processes, exacerbation of peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract, perforation of an undiagnosed ulcer, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, hypercoagulability and thrombosis, reduced resistance to infections, the appearance of a moon-shaped face, obesity, menstrual irregularities, the appearance of acne.