.ae0904af.png&w=1080&q=75)
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To treat asthma 2- To treat allergic reaction 3- To treat inflammatory bowel disease (digestive issue) |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Skin Rash 2- Increased fat around upper back and neck 3- Increased blood sugar level 4- Increased blood pressure 5- Fever 6- Chills 7- Cough 8- Sore throat 9- Nausea 10- Vomiting 11- Fatigue 12- Dizziness |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Prednisolone Summary
Prednisolone 5 mg is a glucocorticoid used to treat conditions like asthma, allergic reactions, and inflammatory bowel disease. Common side effects include skin rashes, increased fat around the neck and back, high blood sugar, blood pressure, fever, sore throat, nausea, and fatigue. Less common effects can include acne, headaches, and trouble sleeping. It’s important to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Take prednisolone exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day. Don’t stop without consulting your doctor, and if you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next one. Store it in a cool, dry place away from children. Prolonged use can lead to issues like skin thinning and weight changes, but overdosing isn’t usually life-threatening. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Prednisolone Uses
Prednisolone 5 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the glucocorticoid agent class of medicines. It is used for the following indications:
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Digestive issue)
Prednisolone side effects
More Common
- Skin Rash
- Increased fat around upper back and neck
- Increased blood sugar level
- Increased blood pressure
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Less Common
- Acne
- Discomfort and fatigue
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Nausea
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Increased body weight
How Prednisolone works
Prednisolone works by reducing swelling and irritation in the body. It calms the immune system so it doesn’t overreact. It does this by preventing blood vessels from leaking and slowing down immune cells that cause inflammation. It also works by blocking inflammatory genes from triggering a response. Long-term use of this medication can cause the body to retain electrolytes, which may lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Diabetes
If you have diabetes, inform your doctor, as this medication can increase your blood sugar levels.
📌 2- High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, let your doctor know right away, as this medicine can elevate it further.
📌 3- Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis, inform your doctor, as this medication can further weaken your bones.
Prednisolone Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking prednisolone 5 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Prednisolone Interaction with Food Product
Prednisolone does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of medicine.
Directions for use
- Take prednisolone exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking prednisolone without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at cool temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Prednisolone Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
(11β)-11,17,21-trihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take prednisolone exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
Overdosing on prednisolone is not expected to cause any life-threatening symptoms; however, prolonged use of this medicine can lead to symptoms such as skin thinning, easy bruising, changes in fat distribution, increased acne, and menstrual problems.
FAQ’s
1. Which class does prednisolone belong to?
➡️ Prednisolone belongs to glucocorticoid class of medicines.
2. When should I take prednisolone?
➡️ You should take the medicine after breakfast to avoid stomach upset and to reduce the likelihood of it affecting your sleep cycle.
3. Which is more potent, prednisone or prednisolone?
➡️ Both prednisone and prednisolone are equal in terms of potency; that is, 5 mg of prednisone is as effective as 5 mg of prednisolone.
4. Can prednisolone cause constipation?
➡️ Constipation is not a reported side effect of prednisolone.
5. Can prednisolone cause hair loss?
➡️ Prednisolone can cause thinning of scalp hair, but it is not a common side effect.
6. Can prednisolone cause high blood pressure?
➡️ Yes, an increase in blood pressure is a side effect of prednisolone.
Reference
- Drugs.com [Internet]. Prednisone Information from Drugs.com; c1996-2025 [Updated: 13 February 2025; Cited: 10 April 2025]. Available from.
- Cleveland Clinic. Prednisolone Tablets: Uses, Interactions & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published: October 2023 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- DrugBank Online. Prednisolone: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action. DrugBank [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Prednisolone (Oral Route) Description. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Published: 2025 Apr 3 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- Torres KC. Prednisolone vs. prednisone: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you. SingleCare [Internet]. Published: May 23, 2019 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- NHS. How and when to take prednisolone tablets and liquid. NHS [Internet]. Published: 2022 Feb 24 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- Williamson JM. Prednisone oral tablet side effects. Medical News Today [Internet]. Published: 2024 Feb 19 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- Drugs.com. Can prednisone raise blood pressure? Drugs.com [Internet]. Published: September 26, 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
- Williamson JM. Prednisone oral tablet side effects: Mild to serious. Medical News Today [Internet]. Published: 2024 Feb 19 [cited 2025 Apr 10]. Available from.
