Prednisone: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

The use of prednisone does not cure any disease, rather as it is an inhibitor of some components of the immune system, the therapeutic action of this drug is based on preventing pain and inflammation . Taking prednisone is often recommended for conditions such as:

• Asthma and other respiratory diseases.

• Rheumatic diseases, mainly arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and tendinitis.

• Inflammation of the skin, for example an allergic reaction or coming into contact with an irritating substance.

• Renal and urinary system disorders, generally in bladder inflammation or nephrotic syndrome.

• Inflammation of the ear .

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.

• Eye diseases, including inflammation of the retina and allergic conjunctivitis.

• Immune system disorders, such as in the treatment of leukemia, autoimmune anemia, and cancer.
• Organ transplantation, as it prevents rejection and inflammation of the area.

There is no specific dose of prednisone, since this will depend on the type and state of the disease and the predisposition of the patient. To establish the dose of prednisone it is necessary for the doctor to assess the condition and the treatment should not be altered to avoid adverse reactions.

At the beginning of treatment, the dose is usually high and will be reduced throughout it, until reaching a minimum level in which the disease remains controlled, also known as maintenance dose. When the dose is very high, it is recommended to take it in two doses a day and as the dose decreases, a single dose is sufficient.

In general terms, the starting dose in adults can be from 20 mg to 90 mg daily up to the minimum dose of 5 mg to 10 mg daily, while in children it is usually 0.5 to 2 mg / kg of body weight daily until the minimum of 0.25 to 0.5 mg / Kg of body weight per day.

Like most medicines, the use of prednisone could cause some adverse symptoms, especially when the treatments are long and the dose must be maintained to alleviate a condition. Generally, in short-term treatments, they do not generate side effects; however, the predisposition of the patient and the state of the disease are important factors in their occurrence.

It is important that if you notice discomfort or any abnormal reaction during the treatment, you consult your doctor so that he can make the corresponding observations and indications, possibly reduce the dose gradually to suspend your treatment, since withdrawing it immediately could aggravate the disease. The main side effects of prednisone are:

• Presence of gastric ulcers.

• Alterations in the production of hormones, such as Cushing’s syndrome.

• Increased level of glucose in the blood.

• Deterioration of the bones, susceptible to fractures because there is a lower absorption of calcium.

• Decrease in blood cells and slow healing.

• Growth retardation, mainly in children.

• Fluid retention , with swelling in various areas of the body.

• Excessive growth of body hair, both in men and women.

• Development of acne, due to the hormonal effect of the drug.

• Increased blood pressure.

• Visual problems, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

• Alteration in the menstrual cycle and vertigo.

• Alteration in muscle components, causing myopathies.

• Adrenal insufficiency, the most serious complication of its consumption.

Some groups of the population or certain conditions can make the body more susceptible to the effects of prednisone, therefore caution should be taken in the dose, control and periodic check-ups in patients with heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, liver failure, in children and pregnant or lactating women. It is important that the specialist assess your condition and medical history, so you should not self-medicate .

On the other hand, the administration of prednisone is prohibited in certain circumstances, because its components or method of action would lead to greater complication and worsening of the patient’s state of health. Some contraindications to prednisone are:

• If you are hypersensitive or allergic to the active component of the drug.

• If you suffer from conditions such as active tuberculosis, kidney failure, acute virus infections, gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding in the digestive tract, among others.

• If you are taking non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs or certain anticoagulants.

• If you are lactose intolerant or do not absorb glucose or galactose well, as it is one of the elements of prednisone.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Prednisone: uses, doses and side effects , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .