Generic
Prednisolone
73 brands available in the market
At a glance
Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenocortical drug with predominantly glucocorticoid properties, used for rheumatic disorders, endocrine disorders, dermatologic diseases, allergic states, respiratory diseases, hematologic disorders, edematous states, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Description
Prednisolone directly inhibits Phospholipase A2 enzyme, preventing production of inflammatory mediators like leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and SRS-A. It inhibits migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reverses increased capillary permeability, reducing inflammation. It suppresses the immune system by reducing lymphocyte and eosinophil activity and production.
Indications
- Rheumatic disorders (psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gouty arthritis)
- Endocrine disorders (adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
- Dermatologic diseases (pemphigus, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, psoriasis)
- Allergic states (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity)
- Respiratory diseases (sarcoidosis, aspiration pneumonitis)
- Hematologic disorders (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia)
- Edematous states (nephrotic syndrome)
- Gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis)
Therapeutic class
Glucocorticoids
Pharmacological class
Synthetic Corticosteroid
Pharmacology
Prednisolone inhibits Phospholipase A2, preventing production of leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory mediators. It inhibits polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration and reverses increased capillary permeability. It suppresses the immune system by reducing lymphocyte and eosinophil activity and production.
Mechanism of action
Reduces inflammation and allergies by inhibiting inflammatory mediator production and suppressing the immune system.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Anti-inflammatory: 5-60 mg/day in 1-4 divided doses
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Initially 5-7.5 mg/day; Elderly: 5 mg/day
- Acute asthma: 40-60 mg/day for 3-10 days
- Nephrotic syndrome: 2 mg/kg/day (max 80 mg/day) in 3-4 divided doses until protein-free urine (max 28 days); then 1-1.5 mg/kg every other day for 4 weeks; Maintenance: 0.5-1 mg/kg every other day for 3-6 months
- Multiple sclerosis: 200 mg/day for 1 week, then 80 mg every other day for 1 month
- Bell's palsy: 60 mg/day for 5 days, then taper by 10 mg/day for 5 days
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- Anti-inflammatory/Immunosuppression: 0.05-2 mg/kg/day in 1-4 divided doses
- Acute asthma: 1-2 mg/kg/day for 3-5 days
- Nephrotic syndrome: Same as adult; max 80 mg/day
- ITP: 1-2 mg/kg/day (max 14 days) or 4 mg/kg/day (max 4 days)
Administration
- Take with food (to avoid stomach upset)
- Swallow tablet whole or dissolve in water before taking
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Fluid and electrolyte disturbances (sodium retention, potassium loss, hypertension)
- Muscle weakness, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis
- Peptic ulcer, pancreatitis
- Impaired wound healing, thin fragile skin
- Convulsions, headache, vertigo
- Menstrual irregularities, Cushingoid state, growth suppression
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma
Precautions & warnings
- Patients on immunosuppressant doses should avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles
- Increased dose during stress
- May mask signs of infection
- Prolonged use may cause cataracts, glaucoma
- Avoid vaccination (especially on high doses)
- Monitor growth and development in pediatric patients
Contraindications
- Systemic infections (unless specific anti-infective therapy is employed)
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient
- Ocular herpes simplex (due to possible perforation)
Drug interactions
- Aminoglutethimide, antacids, barbiturates, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, phenytoin, rifampin: Reduced prednisolone efficacy
- Digitalis: Cardiac arrhythmias if hypokalemia occurs
- Diuretics, hypoglycemics, anticholinesterases, salicylates: Reduced effects
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Prednisolone is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects; use only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant transfer to breast milk; may suppress growth.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dose based on age and condition; monitor growth with prolonged use.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; dose adjustment may be needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Adverse effects develop after prolonged use of doses exceeding normal physiological requirement; treatment: symptomatic; gradually reduce dose.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Prednisolone