Pred 5

• 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)

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)

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

• 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