Prednisone

 Drug Uses

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used for treating inflammation caused due to severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and skin conditions. It is also used to suppress the immune system.

How it is taken

Prednisone must be taken by mouth with food to avoid an upset stomach. Take it exactly as recommended by your doctor. The medication also has a patient information booklet. Read it carefully.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that decreases and prevents tissues from responding to inflammation.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Deltasone then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you are scheduled for a vaccination with a live virus vaccine (eg, smallpox), you have an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or ulcerative colitis, you have heart problems, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach obstruction or perforation, or an ulcer, you have a history of mental problems, such as depression, you have a herpes infection in your eye or any other type of infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral), have or recently had tuberculosis (TB) or tested positive for TB, measles, or chickenpox.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or have a systemic fungal infection or are currently taking mifepristone.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Prednisone and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Prednisone is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially one of the following.

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they reduce the effectiveness of Prednisone

Clarithromycin azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), steroidal contraceptives (eg, desogestrel), or troleandomycin because they may lead to symptoms like weakness, confusion, muscle aches, joint pain, or low blood sugar.

Methotrexate or ritodrine because Prednisone increases the chances of experiencing the side effects of these medicines.

Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), mifepristone, or live vaccines because their effectiveness is decreased.

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or aspirin because their actions and side effects are increased.
 

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are difficulty sleeping, feeling of a whirling motion, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, mood changes, nervousness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), appetite loss, black, tarry stools, changes in menstrual periods, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, exaggerated sense of well-being, fever, general body discomfort, headache, increased pressure in the eye, joint or muscle pain, mood swings, muscle weakness, personality changes, prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever, puffing of the face, severe nausea or vomiting, swelling of feet or legs, unusual weight gain, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds, weakness, weight loss.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.