Prednisolone
Description
Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid derived from cortisol, the natural h
ormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It possesses potent anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic properties. Prednisolone primarily acts by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then modulate gene expression to suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibit leukocyte migration, and reduce capillary permeability. Chemically, prednisolone is a hydroxylated derivative of prednisone, a corticosteroid. It exerts both glucocorticoid and minimal mineralocorticoid activity. The molecular formula is C₂₁H₂₈O₅, and its molecular weight is approximately 360.44 g/mol. Pharmacologically, prednisolone mimics the effects of endogenous corticosteroids, influencing carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism while also exerting significant effects on immune and inflammatory pathways. It is used in the management of a wide range of disorders, including autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions, respiratory disorders, endocrine dysfunctions, hematologic malignancies, and in post-transplant immunosuppression. Due to its systemic immunosuppressive effects, prednisolone therapy requires careful monitoring. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment, and the dose must be tapered gradually after long-term use to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
Uses
Contraindications
When should one not use Prednisolone
- If you are allergic to prednisolone.
- If you have any other infection and are not on any other medicines to treat it.
- If you are suffering from a viral infection of the eyes caused by the herpes virus.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Irritation
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Increased risk of infections
- Reduced potassium levels
- Increased hair growth
- Acne
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
- You have any infection, such as a fungal infection, or you have measles or chickenpox, you are taking medicines to suppress the immune response, discuss your condition with the doctor.
- You experience any skin allergies, a rise in blood sugar levels, or you are diabetic.
- You experience mood disturbances, fits, and other psychiatric problems, including suicidal thoughts.
- You experience visual disturbances and eye infections. With long-term use, there is a risk of developing a cataract.
- You are elderly, you have a heart problem, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, blood clotting problems, liver and kidney diseases.
- You are planning a pregnancy, as it can impair fertility.
- You have a history of muscle weakness due to steroid therapy or have a condition called myasthenia gravis.
- Prednisolone may cause inflammation and swelling in various parts of your gut, such as the stomach and pancreas, and can also cause ulcers.
- Children and adolescents receiving steroids should be observed for growth abnormalities, as steroids can retard growth.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Live vaccines should not be given while taking prednisolone, as they may reduce the vaccine's effectiveness.
- Some medicines can affect how prednisolone works, or the prednisolone itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or might take to avoid potential interactions.
- Especially, if you are taking medicines to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, high/abnormal cholesterol levels, blood thinners, anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, anti-asthmatics, painkillers, immunomodulatory medicines, or medicines for brain-related disorders....
- There is an increased risk of stomach bleeding if you are taking painkillers or aspirin along with this medicine.
- Other medicines for treating asthma, such as salbutamol, may lead to an increase in potassium levels in the blood, and you may experience irregular heartbeats.
Interactions with food items
Dosage
Overdose
Missed a Dose
Content Details
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
References
Share This With Your Friends
Recent articles
Medicines containing Prednisolone
