Prednisolone

“Forensicclassification = 'Prescription Only' for all oral prednisolone rows: SIN04207P DHASOLONE, SIN04190P XEPASONE, SIN07771P YSP PREDNISOLONE, SIN04845P PRELONE SYRUP, SIN04237P/SIN05149P/SIN07628P PREDNISOLONE TABLET 1/5/20 mg; SIN04379P APO-PREDNISONE (prednisone) also 'Prescription Only'”

“Prednisolone is a medicine used to treat a wide range of health problems including allergies, blood disorders, skin diseases, inflammation, infections and certain cancers … Prednisolone is available only on prescription as tablets and as a liquid you swallow.”

“The usual dose varies between 5mg and 60mg daily but occasionally higher doses may be prescribed. The strength of tablets range from 1mg to 25mg.”

“it's best to take prednisolone as a single dose once a day, with breakfast … Take prednisolone with breakfast so it does not upset your stomach. Taking prednisolone in the morning also means it's less likely to affect your sleep.”

“It can be dangerous to stop taking prednisolone suddenly, especially if you have been on a high dose for a long time … You may only need a short course of prednisolone for up to 1 week.”

“Side effects of prednisolone include weight gain and indigestion … Taking prednisolone for a long time can lead to side effects such as: thinner bones (osteoporosis) · poorly controlled diabetes · eyesight problems · high blood pressure”

“tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you: have an infection (including eye infections) or any unhealed wounds · have recently been in contact with someone with shingles, chickenpox or measles · have diabetes · have epilepsy”

“have ever had or any close family members have had mental health problems … The higher the dose, the more intense the mood changes can be.”

“There are many medicines that can affect the way prednisolone works, or increase the risk of side effects … This includes anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin … not possible to say that herbal remedies and supplements are safe”

“If your prednisolone tablets are labelled as 'enteric coated' or 'gastro resistant' … Do not take indigestion medicines 2 hours before or after taking enteric coated or gastro resistant tablets.”

“Prednisolone belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids … Prednisolone can help reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms of swelling, redness, and itchiness … Take this medication with or after food to prevent stomach upset.”

“Prednisolone can also be used to treat conditions such as: Asthma · Allergic conditions · Skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis … diseases affecting the immune system such as Lupus · Joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis … gout”

“You may get infections more easily while being treated with this medication. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick. Avoid close contact with people who have chicken pox, shingles or measles.”

“Inform your healthcare professional if … You have any of the following conditions Tuberculosis or other infections · Stomach ulcer · Severe depression · Diabetes · High blood pressure … You are planning to receive any vaccinations”

“Avoid taking alcohol with this medication to reduce the chance of an upset stomach … If your doctor has put you on a low salt diet, follow this dietary instruction strictly … to prevent excessive water retention.”

“The initial dosage of prednisone may vary from 5 mg to 60 mg of prednisone per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated … IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED”