Prednisolone brands and prices in Pakistan

About Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid, a type of steroid medicine. It is not the same as the anabolic steroids some people misuse for muscle building. It works like the stress hormones the body makes in the adrenal glands: it brings down inflammation (swelling and redness) and calms an overactive immune system. It is a prescription medicine that comes as tablets, soluble tablets and a liquid to swallow. In hospital it can also be given as an injection.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to prednisolone or any ingredient in the medicine.
• Do not take it if you have an infection that is not being treated, including tuberculosis (TB), or a herpes infection of the eye.
• The Irish leaflet also says do not take it if you have an untreated stomach ulcer, acute psychosis, or have just had a live vaccine.
• Some tablets contain lactose. Check with your doctor if you have been told you cannot digest some sugars.
• Tell your doctor if you or a close relative have had severe depression or bipolar disorder, including mood problems during earlier steroid treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes (or it runs in your family), high blood pressure, heart failure or a recent heart attack, osteoporosis (thin bones), glaucoma (or it runs in your family), epilepsy, stomach ulcers, an underactive thyroid, or liver or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot, muscle weakness from steroids, Cushing's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy or scleroderma.
• Tell your doctor if you have lived in or travelled to tropical or subtropical areas, because of the risk of some parasite infections.
• Children and older people need closer check-ups. In children it can slow growth.
• Athletes: it can give a positive result in an anti-doping test.
• Pregnancy: the NHS says prednisolone can be taken in pregnancy and the benefits usually outweigh the risks, though long or repeated use may slow the baby's growth. Do not stop it on your own if you become pregnant; talk to your doctor.
• Breastfeeding: the NHS says it is generally fine if your baby is healthy, as only small amounts pass into breast milk. The UK leaflet asks you to check with your doctor first. Ask your doctor or health visitor.
• Fertility: there is no clear evidence that it affects fertility in men or women.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and indometacin, and aspirin: check with a pharmacist before taking them
• Some epilepsy medicines: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone
• Some antibiotics: rifampicin, rifabutin and erythromycin; and isoniazid for TB
• Some HIV medicines: ritonavir, indinavir and cobicistat
• Some antifungals: ketoconazole and amphotericin
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Diabetes medicines, including insulin, because prednisolone can raise blood sugar
• Blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics) such as furosemide and bendroflumethiazide
• Heart medicines such as digoxin
• Asthma medicines such as salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, terbutaline and theophylline
• Ciclosporin, methotrexate, thalidomide and other medicines that affect the immune system or treat cancer
• Oestrogens, including the contraceptive pill and HRT; mifepristone; somatropin (growth hormone)
• Acetazolamide, carbimazole, carbenoxolone, and antacids containing magnesium trisilicate or aluminium hydroxide
• Live vaccines, such as oral typhoid and BCG, must not be given. Non-live vaccines, such as flu and polio, are fine.
• Real liquorice: do not eat it, as it can raise prednisolone levels and lower potassium
• Herbal remedies and supplements: there is too little information to say they are safe. Ask a pharmacist first.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your doctor tells you. Swallow the tablets with water, with or after food, which can also help with indigestion.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. The dose usually needs to be lowered slowly. Stopping too fast can cause serious adrenal gland problems and withdrawal symptoms, and your illness may come back.
• If you take prednisolone because your body does not make enough steroid hormone (for example Addison's disease), you need a steroid emergency card and must never stop it.
• If you are given a blue steroid treatment card or a red steroid emergency card, carry it with you and show it to any doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist who treats you, even after your treatment has ended.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• If it affects your sleep, ask your doctor what time of day is best to take it.
• Stay away from people with chickenpox, shingles or measles, wash your hands often, and tell your doctor about any infection.
• Tell any doctor, nurse or dentist that you take a steroid before a vaccine, surgery or other treatment.
• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more often. Regular exercise, enough calcium and regular eye checks help lower the risk of long-term side effects.
• Your doctor may suggest a low-salt diet.
• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. Return unused medicine to a pharmacy.

Common questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking prednisolone?
Yes. The NHS says you can drink alcohol while taking prednisolone.

When will I feel better?
It depends on the condition. Some people improve within a couple of days. If prednisolone is being used to stop a problem getting worse, for example after a transplant, you may not feel any different. Ask your doctor what to expect.

Will it stop my contraception working?
The NHS says it does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. One UK medicine leaflet says it may make the contraceptive coil (IUD) less effective. If you use a coil, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I drive while taking it?
Usually yes, as it does not normally make you drowsy. Do not drive, cycle or use machines if your eyesight is affected or if you feel dizzy or tired.

Is prednisolone different from other steroid tablets?
Other steroid tablets include prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and deflazacort. The NHS says that for most conditions they work about as well and are about as safe as prednisolone. Your doctor will choose the best one for you.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.