| name | Prednisone |
| form | Oral |
| classification | Corticosteroid, Glucocorticoid |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. | | distribution | Distributed throughout the body, including the brain and adrenal glands. | | metabolism | Metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. | | excretion | Excreted primarily in the urine. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage is highly variable depending on the condition being treated, severity, and patient response. Consult a physician for appropriate dosage. | | typical starting range | 5-60mg/day, given in divided doses, often tapered as inflammation subsides. | | patient specific factors | Age, weight, severity of condition, and concomitant medications all influence the appropriate dose. |
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| indications | | 1 | Systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease) | | 2 | Allergies (e.g., severe asthma exacerbations) | | 3 | Autoimmune disorders | | 4 | Organ transplantation to prevent rejection | | 5 | Certain cancers | | 6 | Eye inflammations |
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| safety in pregnancy | | note | Use during pregnancy only when the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Careful monitoring and appropriate gestational management are critical. | | risks | | 1 | Increased risk of congenital abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate, growth retardation) | | 2 | Potential for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | note | Use during breastfeeding with caution. | | potential effects | | 1 | Potential for decreased milk production | | 2 | Potential transfer to infant. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Weight gain | | 2 | Cushingoid appearance (facial rounding, buffalo hump) | | 3 | Hyperglycemia | | 4 | Fluid retention | | 5 | Increased appetite | | 6 | Osteoporosis | | 7 | Peptic ulcers | | 8 | Mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression) | | 9 | Infection susceptibility (decreased immune response) | | 10 | Hypertension | | 11 | Gastrointestinal distress (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) | | 12 | Skin thinning and easy bruising | | 13 | Visual disturbances |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Active or suspected fungal infection | | 2 | Hypersensitivity to prednisone or other corticosteroids | | 3 | Peptic ulcer disease (active) | | 4 | Severe systemic fungal infection |
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| interactions | | note | Numerous drug interactions exist. Consult a pharmacist or physician for potential interactions with current medications. | | examples | | 1 | Increased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants | | 2 | Increased risk of peptic ulcers with NSAIDs | | 3 | Potential for decreased effectiveness of certain immunosuppressants |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Long-term use carries significant risks, including the development of serious side effects. Tapering is crucial when discontinuing. | | 2 | Monitor blood glucose levels, particularly in patients with diabetes. | | 3 | Monitor for signs of infection in all patients. |
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| additional information | | 1 | Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection. | | 2 | Tapering is crucial to avoid abrupt cessation and potentially dangerous adrenal insufficiency. | | 3 | This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider. |
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| patient specific considerations | | age 25 | Potential for long-term consequences of chronic use should be discussed with the doctor. | | weight 70kg | Dose adjustment is not expected to be necessary based on weight alone, but should be considered as part of overall treatment plan. |
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