Prednisolone is widely considered as the most effective and secure medication in its category across the world. The World Health Organization acknowledges its significance as an indispensable component of any healthcare system. Prednisolone acetate and other variants of the drug are frequently included in first aid kits as they are capable of addressing various health ailments on an immediate basis. It is undoubtedly one of the most critical drugs to possess for timely medical intervention.

Prednisolone for kids, adults, and even animals is essentially the same drug, with lots of possible applications, including both reactionary immediate answers to a variety of allergies, and recreational treatment of several life-threatening diseases. It is important for all categories of patients, and is available as a generic in the vast majority of countries, making it an accessible medication.

Prednisolone is one of the first discovered and synthesized corticosteroids, and is still the most perfect answer to a wide range of possible medical conditions that may threaten one’s health. Corticosteroids are important participants in multiple critically important physiologic processes in the body, taking part in immune and stress response, effectively determining how well our organism is able to fend off infections, bacterial invasions, and even some psychological problems.

Approved in 1955, prednisolone has been reevaluated multiple times, nearly once every 2-3 years. Each new iteration of the drug has been carefully examined by specialists and experts before its re-release in the market. The same goes for multiple generic versions of the drug manufactured outside of Western Europe and America. Prednisolone is very cheap in many developing countries, with the price per day being as low as one cent.

Today, prednisolone is a widely acknowledged medication, with an incredible versatility and amazingly wide range of applications. Manufactured in multiple form factors and distributed all over the world, this is truly a must-have drug for any household.

Medical Applications of Prednisolone 5mg

The range of medical applications for prednisolone is vast, including a rich selection of autoimmune conditions and inflammations. Among the most common applications are:

  • Prednisolone used in various forms, including prednisolone sod, to treat both symptoms of asthma and as a recreational medication.
  • Pericarditis and other similar inflammations (sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis, etc.), for which prednisolone is applied both reactively and proactively.
  • Various autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus, Kawasaki disease, and other similar diseases with inflammation of an unknown etiology.

Nearly all inflammatory and autoimmune conditions can be treated effectively with prednisolone, though other corticosteroids can be used in certain scenarios. Prednisolone is particularly important in a world where over 60% of the population have at least some kind of allergy, as it can be used safely and in an overwhelming majority of emergency situations. It is also a great drug to have at one’s disposal to counteract allergic reactions to other drugs and foods.

Prednisolone sodium phosphate oral solutions and similar generics can be stored for years and used when needed. This is invaluable for those with allergies and those who take prescribed drugs that may cause allergy.

Another significant application of prednisolone and other corticosteroids is the suppression of the immune system so that transplanted organs are not rejected by the organism. This is an essential part of rehabilitation treatment after any transplantation operation, where the patient may react negatively to a newly transplanted organ.

A widely used form factor is prednisolone acetate suspension, which can be used to reduce swelling, itching, and other allergic reactions in the eyes. The suspension is available in generic forms and produced widely throughout the world, including off-brand solutions from India, Turkey, and Eastern Europe.

Various Negative Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Vulnerability to infections;
  • Constant hunger, possible weight gain, regular nausea, and even malaise;
  • Cardiovascular complications that mostly occur in children;
  • Various dermatological effects, namely, reddening of skin, changes of epithelium color, slow healing of bruises and scratches, rash, changes in the rate of hair growth, and thinning skin;
  • Various hormonal changes, including menstrual abnormalities and a weaker response to hormonal treatment;
  • High blood pressure due to changes in electrolyte balance;
  • Minor convulsions, systematic headaches, and vertigo.

These are side effects that often occur in patients, especially during recreational, long-term treatment. Among other important, long-term side effects, we must highlight possible changes in important body tissues, including bones, muscles, and skin. Bones notably weaken during long-term usage of prednisolone, which may lead to fractures. This is also the reason why you should avoid using prednisolone during pregnancies.

Regular usage of prednisolone sod may lead to complications with the digestive system, namely a higher probability of getting a stomach ulcer. Prednisolone for kids should be used carefully due to possible complications with the liver and kidney.

In the short term, changes in behavior and other psychological issues, including stress and depression, may be observed in patients. However, these adverse effects usually go away within several days after you stop using prednisolone.

Possible Form Factors of Prednisolone

As one of the most frequently used drugs in the world, prednisolone is manufactured in many forms for various applications.

Depending on the desired way of administration and future applications, various types of dosage forms can be chosen.

  1. Prednisolone sod (sodium phosphate oral solution) was initially introduced to the market by Pediapred several decades ago. This is one of the most commonly used orally administered forms of prednisolone.
  2. Prednisolone acetate oral suspension. This quickly adsorbed version of the medication is often used for immediate treatment of various types of allergies. Note that oral solutions are not suitable for ophthalmological usage; for the latter, a sterile prednisolone acetate suspension in the form of eye-drops is used.
  3. Prednisolone oral tablets is a slower version of the drug for oral administration. It is mostly used for recreational treatment and for immune system suppression in the long run.
  4. Prednisolone sod in the form of dissolvable tablets.

Dosing is individual for each person and depends on the brand of the drug. The medication always comes with instructions, and you should follow them as closely as possible. Due to the rich variety of pharmaceutical companies that produce prednisolone in multiple forms, finding the most optimal dosage is often difficult without multiple attempts and errors. Do not worry, in the vast majority of cases, prednisolone does not cause severe side effects. Be careful and read the instructions attentively before using the drug.

Possible Conflicts with Other Drugs

Prednisolone may interact negatively with some medications, so we highly recommend that you speak to your doctor before combining prednisolone with other medications, even in the short term. Try to avoid mixing prednisolone with prescribed drugs.

Amongst conflicting drugs:

  • Specific antibiotics like Clarithromycin, Rifampin, Ciprofloxacin or Erythromycin;
  • Other immunosuppressant-like drugs including cyclosporine;
  • Anitfungal drugs like ketoconazole;
  • Specific contraceptives administrated orally;
  • Barbiturates like phenobarbital and neurological drugs like carbamazepine and/or hydantoins like phenytoin;
  • Aspirin, ritodrine, methotrexate;
  • Diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and others;
  • Anticoagulants including Heparin, Xa Inhibitors, Warfarin.

Note that it is not recommended to use prednisolone after being vaccinated, as the vast majority of conflicts are based on possible interactions between drugs. Prednisolone may increase the probability of side effects caused both by itself and conflicting drugs. Some medications may work less effectively in the presence of prednisolone, regardless of its administration method; the exception is prednisolone acetate in the form of eye-drops.

The list of prescribed and highly specific drugs that may interact with prednisolone is actually much wider, so we strongly suggest consulting with your doctor before combining any of them with prednisolone.

How to Use and What to Avoid

Due to its versatility and wide range of possible applications, everyone should be aware of the basic rules for using Prednisolone. We will cover only the fundamental basics of using orally administered prednisolone sod.

There are specific rules that you need to follow in order to maximize the effectiveness of the medication while minimizing the chance of experiencing adverse effects.

  • Follow your routine. Your treatment plan is usually calculated strictly, and it is not recommended to skip doses or to overdose if you skipped one dose. Never take a double dose of the medication at once.
  • Administer the drug only orally. Do not use injections.
  • Carefully read and follow all recommendations given to you by the manufacturer of the drug in the instruction.
  • Never use prednisolone together with alcohol.
  • Prednisolone for children should always be used with caution. Note that children are more likely to react negatively to the drug. Additionally, the rate of growth in children taking prednisolone may increase dramatically.
  • Prednisolone is capable of triggering hyperglycemia, increasing your blood sugar level. Additional doses of insulin may be required.

Disclaimer

It is important to note that this article is presented for educational purposes exclusively. We are not responsible for the accuracy or relevance of the information regarding Prednisolone and its consumption. The article should not be viewed or used as a substitute for professional medical advice, as it is up to your doctor to decide whether the medication is right for you. We encourage you to always consult a professional before taking any medication, including Prednisolone. The information in this article is generalized, so it will not apply to every patient. You should keep in mind that self-treatment can be dangerous for your health, as you may not be aware of all the necessary precautions.