Have you ever been prescribed a drug called 'Prednisolone' by a doctor for conditions like asthma, arthritis, or skin allergies? Many people get a little scared when they hear the name of this drug. This is because many people know that it is a type of 'steroid'. Some people are afraid to take it because of the saying, "Steroids are not good for the body." So, what exactly is this prednisolone? What does it do to the body? What are the things you need to be careful about when using it? Today, we will talk about all this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Prednisolone?
Prednisolone is a drug in the corticosteroid class. It should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are used to build muscle. They are completely different.
Simply put, this medicine does two main things:
1. Reducing inflammation in the body: Imagine that when you have asthma, your airways swell. When you have arthritis, your joints swell. When you have a skin allergy, your skin becomes red and swollen. What this medicine does is control the body's reaction that causes that swelling and redness.
2. Controlling the overactivity of the immune system: In some diseases, our own immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking our own body's cells. Prednisolone controls this overactivity and minimizes the damage to the body.
In addition, this medicine is also given as a replacement for the hormone 'Cortisol', which is naturally produced in our body, if it decreases for some reason.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is very important to know your complete medical history. This is because people with certain medical conditions need to be very careful when taking this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or other heart disease
- Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
- Stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases (e.g. Colitis, Diverticulitis)
- Kidney disease or liver disease
- Current infectious condition (e.g. tuberculosis, chickenpox, measles, herpes)
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning disease)
- Thyroid problems
- Mental health problems
- If you have previously had an allergy to prednisolone or any other medicine or food.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding
It is very important for your safety to give this information to the doctor.
How do I use this medicine exactly?
Follow these instructions to get the most out of the medication and minimize side effects.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- To avoid stomach upset, always take this medicine with a meal or a glass of milk. This is very important.
- If you have to take it once a day, it is best to take it in the morning because it mimics the natural hormonal activity in our body.
- Take only the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Never increase or decrease the dosage.
Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so can have very serious consequences. If you need to stop taking the medication, your doctor will tell you how to taper off the dose gradually.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, prednisolone can cause side effects in some people. Most of these will only occur for a short period of time and go away. However, there are some things to be aware of.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. |
| Symptoms of Cushing syndrome | Fat accumulation (enlargement) around the stomach, neck, and upper back, purple/pink streaks on the skin, and thin skin that bruises easily. |
| High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) | Unusually increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, restlessness, mental confusion, depression, irritability. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Body swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Acne | Acne, especially on the face, chest, and back. |
| Increased appetite and weight gain | Increased hunger and therefore weight gain while taking the medication. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
| Headache, nausea | Slight headache or nausea. |
Should I be concerned about other medications when taking this medicine?
Yes, absolutely. Prednisolone is a medication that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including prescription medications, pain relievers, vitamins, herbal remedies, and traditional medicines).
It is especially important to inform your doctor if you are taking the following medications:
- Painkillers (e.g. NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Medications for diabetes
- Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin)
- Some types of antibiotics and antifungals
- Birth control pills
- Other types of steroids
Giving your doctor a complete list of everything you take can help avoid unnecessary problems.
Take-Home Message
- Prednisolone is a very useful medication that helps with many conditions. Don't be afraid of it, but follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- The most important thing is to never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Always take the medicine with a meal or a glass of milk. This will protect your stomach.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- If you develop signs of infection (fever, cough), signs of high blood sugar, or mental changes while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
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