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 Prednisolone
DESCRIPTION
Round, white uncoated tablet,
shallow convex faces; "HD" embossed and scored on the same face.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
Prednisolone, a synthetic
glucocorticoid, has both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant actions. It
acts by inhibition of phagocytosis, leukocyte migration and capillary
dilatation, and prevention or suppression of cell mediated (delayed
hypersensitivity) immune reactions respectively.
It is readily absorbed orally, metabolised in the liver and excreted via
the kidneys.
INDICATIONS
Prednisolone is used in the
treatment of conditions where a routine systemic corticosteroid therapy is
indicated. Its weaker sodium-retaining action usually makes it more suitable
than cortisone in such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever,
status asthmaticus and ulcerative colitis.
CONTRAINDICATION
Use is not recommended in nursing
mothers, wherever possible.
PRECAUTIONS
• Caution in patients with osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, psychoses, systemic
fungal infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myasthenia gravis,
ocular herpes simplex, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, history of tuberculosis,
renal and hepatic function impairment.
• When medication is to be discontinued, dosage should be reduced gradually.
Abrupt cessation of prolonged therapy may produce acute adrenal
insufficiency.
• Frequent monitoring of drug effect is required.
• Caution in receiving vaccinations, other immunizations and skin test.
• Children on prolonged therapy should be closely observed.
• Safety for use in pregnancy has
not been established.
MAIN SIDE / ADVERSE EFFECTS
Dyspepsia, peptic ulceration;
long term use include Cushings syndrome, acne, osteoporosis, mental changes
and endocrine imbalance.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
• Response to prednisolone may be reduced by co-administration of
barbiturates, phenytoin or rifampicin.
• Effects of oral anticoagulants or salicylates may be decreased when used
concurrently with prednisolone.
• Caution in patients receiving the following drug therapy Alcohol,
anti-inflammatory medications, cardiac glycosides, ephedrine, heparin,
hypoglycaemics.
OVERDOSE
Clinical features : Nausea and vomiting, hyperglycaemia, occasional
gastrointestinal bleeding.
Treat overdose by symptomatic measures.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
Adults : Oral, 5 to 60 mg a day as a single dose or in divided doses, not
exceeding 250mg daily.
Children : As directed by physician.
Note : The paediatric dosage is determined more by the
severity of the condition and response of the patient than by age or body
weight.
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