Prednisone
Description
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling associated with various conditions such as arthritis, allergic disorders, psoriasis, etc. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine is not recommended due to the increased risk of withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, mouth sores, etc. Report any such symptoms to the doctor immediately.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Prednisone
- Aggression or anger
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Irregular heart beat
- Numbness, tingling in arms or legs
- Change in mood
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty in breathing
Uses of Prednisone
What is it prescribed for?
- Acute asthma
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Psoriasis
- Bursitis
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Gouty arthritis
- Allergic reactions
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Asthma - Maintenance
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is subject to vary based on the intended use and the individual constitution.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. If the medicine is used, your doctor may advise you to maintain an appropriate time gap between the administration of the medicine and breastfeeding to minimize its effects on the infant.
Fungal infections
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known systemic fungal infection due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to prednisone, other glucocorticoids, or any other inactive ingredients present along with this medicine.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. If the medicine is used, your doctor may advise you to maintain an appropriate time gap between the administration of the medicine and breastfeeding to minimize its effects on the infant.
General warnings
Infections
This medicine should be used with caution in patients who are at risk of developing infections since it suppresses the immune system and further increases the risk of infections. Any symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, chills, etc. should be reported to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Vaccination
Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Your doctor may advise you to postpone vaccination or may use an appropriate form of vaccination with adequate clinical monitoring to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Impaired kidney function
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of kidney dysfunction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Impaired liver function
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of liver dysfunction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Decreased bone density
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of decreased bone density and decreased calcium absorption. This risk is especially higher if the medicine is used for a prolonged period of time. Appropriate clinical monitoring, corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Antidiabetic drugs
Antifungal agents
Antihypertensives
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Anticoagulants
Disease interactions
Gastro-intestinal bleeding
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of gastrointestinal diseases due to the increased risk of bleeding. This risk is especially higher when the medicine is used for a prolonged period of time. Report any unusual symptoms such as blood in the stool, unusual bleeding or bruising, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Diabetes Mellitus
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of diabetes mellitus due to the increased risk of altered blood glucose levels. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with food. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised or prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine blocks the action of certain natural substances that are responsible for causing pain and swelling in the body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Glucocorticoids
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medsafe.govt.nz. 2018 [cited 9 January 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 9 January 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Perrigo.com. 2018 [cited 9 January 2018]. Available from:
prednisone [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 9 January 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 23 Feb 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.