Prednisone
Prednisone, drug used to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis, asthma, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis (inflamed colon), certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, skin diseases, and severe allergic reactions. Prednisone is also used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. An anti-inflammatory drug known as a steroid, prednisone works by suppressing the action of certain white blood cells in the immune system.
Prednisone is available only by prescription. It is taken orally in tablet or liquid form, usually with food to avoid stomach upset. Dosages vary from 5 to 60 mg per day, although some acute conditions may be treated with up to 200 mg per day. Prednisone’s effectiveness is usually apparent after four to ten days of treatment. It is usually discontinued gradually, with smaller and smaller doses until the end of treatment.
Patients with widespread fungus infections, peptic ulcer disease, active tuberculosis, or an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus should not take this drug. It should be used with caution by patients with glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis (chronic muscle weakness), gastrointestinal disorders, impaired thyroid function, or a history of tuberculosis. Patients taking prednisone should avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles and should not be vaccinated during treatment. Children may take this drug, but long-term use is not recommended as it may stunt growth. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid prednisone.
Possible side effects may include insomnia, depression, mood swings, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, skin rash, acne, high blood pressure, weight gain, or fluid retention. Long-term use may cause various eye problems or Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder characterized by obesity, muscle weakness, brittle bones, and purplish, thick skin.
Prednisone may interact adversely with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, ketoconazole, amphotericin B, phenytoin, rifampin, birth control pills, diabetes medications, estrogen supplements, and certain diuretics.
Brand Names: Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Prednicen-M, Sterapred
Prednisone is available only by prescription. It is taken orally in tablet or liquid form, usually with food to avoid stomach upset. Dosages vary from 5 to 60 mg per day, although some acute conditions may be treated with up to 200 mg per day. Prednisone’s effectiveness is usually apparent after four to ten days of treatment. It is usually discontinued gradually, with smaller and smaller doses until the end of treatment.
Patients with widespread fungus infections, peptic ulcer disease, active tuberculosis, or an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus should not take this drug. It should be used with caution by patients with glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis (chronic muscle weakness), gastrointestinal disorders, impaired thyroid function, or a history of tuberculosis. Patients taking prednisone should avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles and should not be vaccinated during treatment. Children may take this drug, but long-term use is not recommended as it may stunt growth. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid prednisone.
Possible side effects may include insomnia, depression, mood swings, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, skin rash, acne, high blood pressure, weight gain, or fluid retention. Long-term use may cause various eye problems or Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder characterized by obesity, muscle weakness, brittle bones, and purplish, thick skin.
Prednisone may interact adversely with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, ketoconazole, amphotericin B, phenytoin, rifampin, birth control pills, diabetes medications, estrogen supplements, and certain diuretics.
Brand Names: Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Prednicen-M, Sterapred
Comments