Prednisone - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Controller medication often used during periods of uncontrolled asthma

Generic Names:  Prednisone; methylprednisolone; prednisolone

Brand Names:  Prednisone Intensol®, Rayos®, Medrol®, Millipred®, Orapred®,ODT®, Pediapred®

Description:  This medication is an oral tablet used to treat severe asthma attacks. This medication works by preventing irritation and swelling in the airways.

Delivery

Oral tablets, syrup, solution

Dosage

Dosing varies with this medication.

Proper Use

Take this medication as prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Take this medication with food.

Precautions

  • Should NOT be used as a quick-relief medication.
  • Can increase the risk of developing infections and may hide the symptoms of a present infection.
  • Should be used with caution in the following conditions: infections, swelling or other abnormalities in the intestinal wall, high blood pressure, heart failure, blood clotting abnormalities, weak bones or osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, pregnancy, seizures, metastatic carcinoma, myasthenia gravis, chicken pox, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and liver damage.
  • Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.

Common Interactions

This medication interacts with several other medication including: barbiturates, cholestyramine, oral birth control pills, estrogens, pheyntoin, ketoconazole, rifampin, anticholinesterases (donepezil, neostigmine), warfarin, cyclosporine, isoniazid, potassium depleting agents (diuretics), salicylates (aspirin, salsalate), and alcohol.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions with this medication.

Possible Side Effects

Long-term use is associated with side effects such as sweating, restlessness, upset stomach, increased risk of infection, decreased bone density, thinning of the skin, cataracts, muscle pain, poor wound healing, high blood pressure, depression, fluid retention, weight gain, insomnia, behavior changes and delayed growth in children.

Tell your doctor or seek medical attention if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing or swelling of the face), if you notice any signs of an infection (fever, chills, bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, etc.), an irregular heartbeat, very bad stomach pain, mood changes, or seizures.

Proper Storage

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat, light, and water.
  • Do not store in a bathroom.