Prednisone
About
Prednisone belongs to the class of 'Corticosteroids,' used to treat various conditions that are caused due to inflammation in the body. These conditions include immune system disorders like lupus (immune system attacks its own organs), multiple sclerosis (immune system attacks the nerves), arthritis, eye allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases like psoriasis (skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches), ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), and breathing disorders (asthma). It is also used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer. Inflammation is a biological response that occurs when the immune system responds to an irritant.
Prednisone contains 'Prednisone', a corticosteroid. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and immunosuppressant (prevent or inhibit the activity of the immune system). Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is converted into Prednisolone after administration. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cells. It further suppresses the immune system by reducing its activity and volume. It thus minimizes the symptoms of diseases like swelling and allergic reactions.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your medical condition. Prednisone has common side effects like headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight gain, acne, sweating, heartburn, and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Prednisone or other medications. Use of Prednisone is not recommended in people with liver, heart, or kidney diseases, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), depression, and tuberculosis. However, please seek medical advice before starting Prednisone. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Prednisone. Limit alcohol consumption since it may lead to stomach bleeding while using Prednisone. It is advised to avoid driving until you feel better since Prednisone can cause dizziness and interfere with your driving ability.
Uses of Prednisone
Medicinal Benefits
Prednisone contains 'Prednisone', a corticosteroid. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and immunosuppressant (prevent or inhibit the activity of the immune system). Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is converted into Prednisolone after administration. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cells. It also suppresses the immune system by reducing its activity and volume. It thus minimizes the symptoms of diseases like inflammation, swelling and allergic reactions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Prednisone
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain
- Acne
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Prednisone or other medications. Use of Prednisone is not recommended in people with liver, heart, or kidney diseases, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), depression, and tuberculosis. However, please seek medical advice before starting Prednisone. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Prednisone. Limit alcohol consumption since it may lead to stomach bleeding while using Prednisone. It is advised to avoid driving until you feel better since Prednisone can cause dizziness and interfere with your driving ability. Prednisone can affect blood sugar levels; hence care should be taken in monitoring. Prednisone should be used in children only when advised by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Prednisone may interact with anticancer drugs (aldesleukin), abortion-causing drugs (mifepristone), pain killers (aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen), blood thinners (dabigatran, clopidogrel, warfarin), fits medicines (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin), antivirals (ritonavir), antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampicin and rifabutin), respiratory medicines (theophylline), and live vaccines.
Drug-Food Interaction: Prednisone may interact with grapefruit and protein-rich foods. Hence avoid taking them along with Prednisone.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have asthma, diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, cataract or glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), thyroid diseases, heart or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Prednisone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit alcohol consumption since it may lead to stomach bleeding while using Prednisone. Please consult your doctor for more information before using Prednisone.
Pregnancy
cautionPrednisone should be used in pregnancy only if necessary and advised by your doctor. Please consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant before starting Prednisone.
Breast Feeding
cautionPrednisone in Prednisone is excreted into breast milk when used by a breastfeeding woman. Please consult the doctor before using Prednisone if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
cautionPrednisone may cause dizziness and may interfere with your driving ability. Please do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Prednisone.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Prednisone.
Children
cautionPrednisone should be given to children only when advised by your child's doctor. The doctor will decide the dosage based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage stress and sleep for at least six to eight hours to rejuvenate your body.
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain your blood glucose levels.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Keep a check on your weight and exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy.
Special Advise
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly since Prednisone in Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels in diabetes.
- Prednisone may interfere with live vaccines, hence check with your doctor before undergoing any vaccination.
- Prednisone may interfere with certain laboratory tests, including skin tests. Hence inform your doctor and laboratory staff in advance that you are using Prednisone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Inflammation: It is a biological response that occurs when the immune system responds to an irritant. The irritant can be any physical factor like a germ or a foreign object. Inflammation can occur due to various factors, such as pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi; injuries caused due to foreign objects, such as a splinter, and chemicals or radiation. Signs of inflammation include pain, swelling, heat, redness, and loss of function. Some long-term diseases caused due to inflammatory conditions include asthma, peptic ulcers, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis, diabetes, and cancer.
FAQs
Prednisone consists of Prednisone, a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory agent and an immunosuppressant. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cells. It also suppresses the immune system by reducing its activity and volume. It thus minimizes the symptoms of diseases like inflammation, swelling and allergic reactions.
It is not recommended to take Prednisone on your own since it may lead to unwanted side effects. Prednisone is a prescription-based medicine that should be strictly used under medical guidance.
Prednisone can affect live vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), typhoid vaccine, and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine and may increase the risk of harmful effects. Please consult a doctor before you start Prednisone if you undergo any vaccinations.
Please consult your doctor before using Prednisone if you have liver, heart or kidney diseases, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cataract or glaucoma, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), depression, and tuberculosis. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Prednisone or its components and have any other medical concerns.
Prednisone consists of Prednisone that can cause a rise in blood sugar levels by suppressing insulin secretion. Hence it is advised to consult your doctor before starting Prednisone.
You are strictly recommended to continue using Prednisone as long as the doctor has prescribed it for you. Stopping the usage of steroids abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. When your course is being finished, your doctor advises you to reduce the medicine usage slowly. Please follow the advice accordingly and let your doctor know if you need further information.
