Uses
Prednisone is a glococorticosteroid which helps to suppress the production of inflammatory mediators and decrease the body’s immune response, decreasing inflammation. It is used to treat a variety of immune and inflammatory conditions and for hormone replacement therapies. Common conditions include asthma, dermatitis, Addison’s Disease, and arthritis.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, take it with food.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting with your doctor. If you have been taking it for a long period of time the dose has to be gradually reduced to avoid harmful effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Visit your doctor regularly while on this medicine.
If you are taking this medication for a long period of time, it is important to carry a card that identifies your name and address along with the dose and the type of medicine along with your doctor’s contact information.
Inform your doctor if you are going to be around anyone with chickenpox, measles, or other infections. Notify your doctor if you develop sores or wounds that are not healing properly.
If you are getting surgery, tell your doctor or surgeon that you have been taking this medicine within the last 12 months.
If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar closely while on this medicine because it can affect your blood sugar levels. Consult with your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medications or altering your diet.
Discuss possible dietary changes with your doctor including a low sodium diet.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Cushing’s Syndrome, diabetes, glaucoma, heart diseases, high blood pressure, viral and bacterial infections, kidney disease, liver disease, psychiatric conditions, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, seizures, stomach or intestinal conditions, seizures, history of allergic reactions, thyroid disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in vision, mood changes, depression, pain of the eyes, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, changes in the passage of urine, excessive thirst, swelling of the ankles or feet.
Other Side Effects
Headache, confusion, restlessness, excitement, changes in the skin such as acne, sleep changes, weight gain.
Adult Dose
Usual Anti-inflammatory Dose
5-60 mg per day given in 1-4 divided doses.
Asthma Exacerbations in ER
40-80 mg by mouth daily in 1-2 divided doses. This is given until the peak expiratory flow reaches 70% of personal best or predicted. The treatment course ranges from 3-10 days.
Asthma Exacerbations Outpatient
40-60 mg by mouth daily in 1-2 divided doses for 3-10 days.
Long Term Prevention of Symptoms for Severe Persistent Asthma
7.5-60 mg by mouth once daily OR every other day.
Nephrotic Syndrome
40-80 mg by mouth daily. This is given until the urine protein test is negative.
Common Pediatric Asthma Dosing
Less than one year old: 10 mg by mouth every 12 hours for acute episodes. 10 mg by mouth every other day as a maintenance dose.
Between one and four years old: 20 mg by mouth every 12 hours for acute episodes. 20 mg by mouth every other day for a maintenance dose.
Between five and twelve years old: 30 mg by mouth every 12 hours for acute episodes. 30 mg by mouth every other day for a maintenance dose.
Over twelve years old: 40 mg by mouth every 12 hours for acute episodes. 40 mg by mouth every other day for a maintenance dose.
Sources
1. National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute: Expert panel report 3: guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute. Bethesda, MD. 2007.
2. Rayos oral delayed-release tablets, prednisone oral delayed-release tablets[package insert]. Deerfield, IL: Horizon Pharma USA, Inc; 2012.
3. Prednisone oral solution, tablets, prednisone oral solution, tablets[package insert]. Columbus, OH: Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Laboratories, Inc; 2009.
4. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel 3. Expert panel report 3: guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; 2007 Aug. NIH Publication No. 07-4051.
5. Report of a workshop by the British Association for Paediatric Nephrology and Research Unit, Royal College of Physicians. Consensus statement on management and audit potential for steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome. Arch Dis Child 1994;70:151-7.