Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you a medication called Prednisolone for asthma, arthritis, a severe allergic reaction, or some other medical condition. This is actually a very important medication that is used to treat many diseases. But there are a few things we need to be very careful about when using it. So today, let's talk in detail about this medication, what it does, how to use it properly, and what to be careful about.
What is Prednisolone?
Simply put, prednisolone is a steroid . It can reduce inflammation, which causes symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain in our bodies. Also, in some diseases, our body's immune system becomes overactive. In such cases, this medicine can help slow down an overactive immune system.
In addition, this medicine acts as a substitute for the hormone cortisol, which our body naturally produces when we are exposed to stress, illness, and injury. Therefore, doctors recommend it as a treatment for many conditions, such as asthma, various allergies, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking prednisolone, it is very important to tell your doctor about all your current and past medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes: This medicine may increase blood sugar levels.
- High blood pressure: Blood pressure may increase further.
- Heart disease: Heart function may be affected.
- Kidney or liver disease: If these organs are not functioning properly, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted.
- Existing infections: If you have infections such as herpes, measles, chickenpox, or tuberculosis, this medicine may make them worse.
- Stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases: These conditions can worsen.
- Glaucoma: Eye pressure may increase.
- Osteoporosis: Taking this medicine for a long time can affect the bones.
- Mental health issues: Tell us about any previous mental health issues or treatments you are receiving.
- Thyroid problems.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- If you have any allergies to any other medicine, food, or lactose.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
A special feature of this medicine is that it comes in the form of a disintegrating tablet. Therefore, follow these steps when using it.
1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Do not touch the tablet with wet hands.
2. Keep the pill in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it.
3. When you are ready to take the pill, carefully open the package and take out the pill. If the pill is broken or crushed, throw it away and get a new one.
4. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. Swallow it after it has dissolved.
5. You don't need water to take this pill. However, you can take it with a little water if you want.
6. It is best to take this medicine with a meal or a little milk to avoid stomach upset.
7. If you have to take it once a day, it is best to take it every morning .
8. Do not take more than the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Very important: Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a serious reaction. If you do stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken an overdose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Prednisolone is a medication that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking. Below are some of them.
| Type of medicine | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
| Metyrapone, Mifepristone | Avoid taking these with prednisolone. |
| If you are taking this medication, inform your doctor. | |
| Painkillers (NSAIDS like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen) | Increases the risk of stomach ulcers. |
| Medications for diabetes | Prednisolone can change blood sugar levels, so the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted. |
| Warfarin (medicine to prevent blood clotting) | May affect the effectiveness of warfarin. |
| Some antibiotics and antifungals (Rifampin, Ketoconazole) | The action of prednisolone can be altered. |
| Vaccines | It is not advisable to receive certain types of injections while taking prednisolone. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, prednisolone can cause side effects. While some are not serious, there are some symptoms that we should be very aware of.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Thirst more than usual, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, restlessness, agitation, mood swings, depression. |
| Symptoms of Cushing syndrome | Fat deposits around the stomach, neck, and face, thinning skin and easy bruising. |
| Intestinal bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Acne, headaches, increased appetite, nausea, insomnia, weight gain. |
Take-Home Message
- Prednisolone is a very useful medication, but it requires great care. Always take the dosage exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Taking the medication in the morning, with a meal, can reduce side effects.
- Your immunity may be weakened while taking this medicine. So protect yourself from infections. Stay away from people with chickenpox, measles, etc.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If a serious side effect occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
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