Prednisone
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone, also known by its generic name, is an FDA-approved medication designed to treat a variety of health conditions like allergies, asthma, arthritis, adrenal issues, inflammatory bowel diseases, and blood or bone marrow disorders. It functions by reducing inflammation, moderating an overactive immune system, or substituting for cortisol—a naturally occurring hormone critical for the body’s response to stress, illness, and injuries. Prednisone, a type of steroid, is available in various strengths and is part of a class of drugs called steroids. As a prescription drug, a doctor’s prescription is necessary to buy Prednisone online from a Canadian Pharmacy.
Product Overview
Prednisone is a widely used steroid medication that helps manage various conditions by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system. It is especially effective for treating allergies, asthma, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and other health issues. As a synthetic steroid, it acts like cortisol, a natural hormone crucial in responding to stress, illness, and injury. Prednisone is available in various forms, including tablets, oral suspension, and concentrate, with dosages ranging from 1mg to 50mg.
It is essential to strictly follow a doctor’s prescription, as the dosage can vary widely based on the individual’s specific health condition & response to treatment. Typically, adults may start with a dose ranging from 5 to 60 mg daily, with adjustments made based on therapeutic response. While effective, Prednisone can cause several side effects such as mood swings, irritability, and physiological changes like weight gain and swelling.
High doses of Prednisone may lead to more serious effects, including susceptibility to infection and bone density loss. Patients should take Prednisone with food to minimize stomach upset and never discontinue the medication abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, it’s important to consult healthcare providers about potential interactions with other medications like NSAIDs, ketoconazole, and various others.
Uses of Prednisone
This medication is used for the treatment of a wide range of medical issues, including:
- Asthma
- Severe allergies
- Arthritis
- Blood or bone marrow problems
- Eye or vision problems
- Stomach or bowel problems
- Adrenal problems
- Inflammation (swelling)
- Skin conditions
- Kidney problems
- Ulcerative colitis
- Endocrine problems
- Lupus
- Flare-ups of multiple sclerosis
Benefits of Prednisone
- It reduces inflammation and helps to soothe the immune system.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Common side effects of Prednisone may include:
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Aggression
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Noisy, rattling breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Troubled breathing at rest
- Decrease in the amount of urine
- Irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Pounding in the ears
- Numbness in the legs or arms
- Swelling of the fingers, feet, hands, or lower legs
- Trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
- Weight gain
[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Prednisone Dosage
Forms & Strengths
It comes in 4 different forms & the following strengths:
Tablets: 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, & 50 mg
Oral suspension: 5 mg/5 ml
Concentrate: 5 mg/5 ml
Delayed-release tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, & 5 mg
Recommended Dosages
Dosage for Adults with Various Medical Issues
- Initial Dose: 5 to 60 mg taken orally each day.
- Maintenance Dose: Continue with the initial dose until a satisfactory response is achieved. Following this, gradually reduce the dose in small increments at suitable intervals to the minimum effective dose that still maintains a sufficient clinical response.
How to Take Prednisone?
- Consume this medication with a glass of water.
- Always adhere to the instructions provided on the prescription label.
- It is advisable to take this medication with food to minimize stomach upset.
- If prescribed once daily, take it in the morning.
- Do not exceed the Prednisone dosage recommended by your doctor.
- Do not abruptly discontinue this medication, as doing so could lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Your healthcare team will determine and guide you on the appropriate dosage.
- If advised by your care team to stop the medication, the dose will typically be tapered off gradually to mitigate potential side effects.
Missed Dose
If you have missed a dose of Prednisone, take it as soon as you remember. Although, if it’s almost time for your next Prednisone dose, skip the missed dose & continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the one missed, as this could lead to increased side effects. To help remember your doses, consider setting up reminders using an alarm, timer, or a smartphone app.
[Note: Do not take two doses of Prednisone at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase the chances of experiencing serious side effects.]
Overdose
Using excessive amounts of Prednisone typically does not lead to life-threatening issues. Nevertheless, long-term use of high doses of steroids may result in several side effects such as thinning skin, altered body fat distribution, easy bruising, difficulties with sexual function, including maintaining an erection, increased acne or facial hair, menstrual irregularities, or reduced libido. If you experience any of these conditions, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Prednisone Work?
Prednisolone enters the cells, reduces inflammation, and inhibits the body’s inflammatory response, which can lead to swelling. While it alleviates symptoms of various conditions, it does not cure them. It functions similarly to cortisol, a natural hormone essential for managing stress, illness, and injury. Prednisone can be substituted when your body fails to produce sufficient cortisol, helping maintain stability during challenging periods.
Important Safety Precautions
Don’t use this medication if you have:
- Any illness that causes diarrhea
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Low levels of potassium in your blood
- A history of malaria
- A thyroid disorder
- Glaucoma
- Tuberculosis
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach ulcers
- Cataracts
- Myasthenia gravis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Depression or mental illness
- Pregnancy or a breastfeeding mother
Storage
- Store Prednisone at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
- Keep the medication away from light and moisture to preserve its effectiveness.
- Ensure the medication container is tightly closed when not in use.
- Keep Prednisone out of reach of children.
Prednisone Interactions
Don’t mix this medicine with:
- Mifepristone
- Metyrapone
This medicine may also cause issues if taken with the following:
- NSAIDs, which are medications for pain & inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Ketoconazole
- Ephedrine
- Cholestyramine
- Cyclosporine
- Warfarin
- Vaccines
- Isoniazid
- Female hormones, including estrogens & birth control pills
- Diuretics
- Aminoglutethimide
- Aspirin and similar pain relievers
- Certain diabetes medications, like glipizide or glyburide
- Digoxin
- Drugs that affect cholinesterase
- Phenytoin
- Amphotericin B
- Barbiturates
- Rifampin
- Toxoids
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]
Prednisone Alternatives
- Trexall (methotrexate)
- Xatmep (methotrexate)
- Jylamvo (mycophenolate)
- Otrexup (mycophenolate)
- Rasuvo (mycophenolate)
- Purinethol (mercaptopurine)
- Imuran (azathioprine)
- Arava (leflunomide)
- Decadron (dexamethasone)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Prednisone alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prednisone a powerful steroid?
Yes, it is! Prednisone is a strong type of medicine called a steroid. It helps with many health problems, but users of Prednisone often report experiencing several side effects, such as increased restlessness, noticeable weight gain, and heightened irritability. These adverse reactions can be challenging to cope with.
What happens after you take Prednisone?
After taking a dose of Prednisone, individuals may notice changes in their mood occurring as soon as a few hours later. These mood alterations vary widely among users; some may feel an uplift in their spirits, while others might find themselves feeling more despondent. Such mood fluctuations are a frequent side effect of this medication. In rare instances, more severe reactions like disorientation and hallucinations can occur, a phenomenon known as “steroid-induced psychosis.”
How much Prednisone is safe per day?
The safe daily dosage of Prednisone can vary significantly based on the individual’s age and specific health requirements. For adults, the initial dosage typically ranges from 5 to 60 milligrams (mg) per day. Depending on the patient’s response to the treatment and the progression of their condition, a doctor may adjust the dosage as necessary.
Generally, the dosage for children is calculated to be between 0.14 and 2 milligrams per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day. This daily dose is often divided and administered 3 to 4 times throughout the day to manage side effects and ensure effectiveness.
Can I take Prednisone for 3 days only?
Yes, Prednisone can be prescribed for short durations, such as three days, depending on the treatment’s specific medical condition. However, it is also used for longer periods, particularly for chronic conditions. In such cases, abruptly discontinuing the drug can lead to the recurrence of symptoms whenever the dosage is reduced.
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