Your doctor may have prescribed you or your child a medicine called Prednisolone syrup. It could be for asthma, a severe allergic reaction, or another medical condition. It's normal to feel a little nervous or anxious when you take this medicine. Many people get a little scared when they hear the word 'steroid.' But don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medicine in detail and in a very simple way.
What kind of medicine is Prednisolone?
Simply put, Prednisolone is a drug that belongs to a group of drugs called steroids. But this is not the dangerous type of steroid that athletes use. These are called corticosteroids. This drug works in the same way as the hormone cortisol, which is naturally produced in our bodies.
This medicine performs several main functions:
- Reducing inflammation in the body: Think about it, in asthma, the airways swell. In arthritis, the joints swell. This medicine controls that swelling, that is, inflammation.
- Controlling an overactive immune system: Sometimes the immune system, which is our body's defense system, starts working against our own body. This medicine controls that overactivity and relieves symptoms.
- Cortisol hormone replacement: In some medical conditions, the body does not produce enough cortisol. In such cases, this medication helps to make up for the deficiency.
Because of this, doctors recommend this medicine to treat many conditions, such as asthma, severe allergies, joint diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, adrenal gland diseases, and blood or bone marrow diseases.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
This is a very important part. Before you start taking Prednisolone, it is imperative to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, as this medication can interact with some medical conditions.
Remember, the more your doctor knows about you, the safer and more successful the treatment you receive will be.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Illness or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Because this medicine can increase blood sugar levels. |
| High blood pressure | Because blood pressure may increase further. |
| Heart disease or problems | Because it can affect heart function. |
| Infections (e.g. tuberculosis, chickenpox, herpes) | This medicine may increase the risk of infections because it reduces immunity. |
| Kidney or liver disease | There may be problems related to the elimination of the medication from the body. |
| Stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases | These situations are likely to escalate. |
| Mental problems | Sometimes it can affect mental state. |
| Osteoporosis (bone thinning) | Long-term use may affect bones. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, special care should be taken when using medications. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | To find out if you are allergic to prednisolone or any of its ingredients. |
What is the best way to use the medicine?
Okay, now let's see how to use this medicine exactly. As the doctor says, it is very important to take the right dose at the right time.
- This medicine is an oral syrup.
- Use a specially marked medicine cup, spoon, or dropper to measure the medicine. Do not measure with household teaspoons, as they are not accurate.
- Take the medicine with a meal or a glass of milk to avoid stomach upset.
- If you only take it once a day, it is best to take it in the morning .
- Most importantly: Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice . Doing so can cause a serious reaction. When your doctor wants to stop the medication, he or she will gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Prednisolone can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Some of them should be reported to a doctor immediately, while others are usually not dangerous.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cushing's syndrome symptoms | Fat accumulation around the torso, neck, and upper body (increased waist), pink/purple streaks on the skin, and thin skin that bruises easily. |
| High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, restlessness, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Gastric bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Body swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Acne | Acne, especially on the face and back. |
| Increased appetite | Feeling hungrier than usual and gaining weight. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
| Headache, nausea | Slight headache or nausea. |
Other things to be careful about when taking medication
- Be careful of infections: When taking this medicine, the body's immunity decreases slightly. Therefore, the chances of getting sick are higher. Stay away from people who have diseases like chickenpox and measles. If you get a wound and it doesn't heal quickly, tell your doctor .
- Tell your doctor about other medications: Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking while taking Prednisolone, including pain relievers (such as ibuprofen, aspirin), diabetes medications, and blood thinners (such as Warfarin). Some medications may interact with these medications.
- Before surgery: If you are having surgery, it is essential to tell the surgeon that you are taking this medicine.
- Diet: Your doctor may tell you to reduce the salt in your diet. Follow that advice.
Take-Home Message
- Prednisolone is an important medication that should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Therefore, take the prescribed dosage and the prescribed way.
- Even if you feel better, never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice .
- Take special care to protect yourself from infections while taking this medicine.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have.
- If you notice any dangerous side effects (e.g., severe allergic reactions, mental changes, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), call your doctor immediately.
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