Prednisolone Sod Phos 10mg/5ml Sol

Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It exerts its effects by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus. This complex then modulates gene expression, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins (e.g., lipocortins) and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes). It suppresses immune responses by inhibiting the function of lymphocytes and macrophages, reducing the production of antibodies, and decreasing the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or abdomen, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of adrenal gland weakness: severe nausea or vomiting, extreme dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of pancreatitis: severe abdominal pain, severe back pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Skin changes: acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth.
Purple, red, blue, brown, or black skin bumps or patches, or oral lesions.
Chest pain or pressure.
Abnormal heartbeat (fast, slow, or irregular).
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm.
Changes in menstrual periods.
Bone or joint pain.
Vision changes.
New or worsening mental, mood, or behavioral changes.
Seizures.
Unusual burning, numbness, or tingling sensations.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Abdominal swelling.
Severe stomach pain.
Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material.
New or worsening muscle weakness.
Fluid retention, swelling, weight gain, or breathing difficulties.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you're concerned about any of the following side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor:

Upset stomach.
Increased appetite.
Weight gain.
Sleep disturbances.
Restlessness.
Excessive sweating.
Headache.
Fatigue or weakness.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
The presence of any infection, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as specific conditions like:
+ Amoeba infection (e.g., traveler's diarrhea)
+ Herpes infection of the eye
+ Malaria infection in the brain
+ Threadworm infestation
+ Any other type of infection
Nerve problems affecting the eye
Recent or upcoming administration of the smallpox vaccine

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

Important Warnings and Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

If you are taking this medication for an extended period, your doctor will likely recommend regular blood tests, weight checks, and other laboratory tests to monitor your health. You may also need to have your eye pressure and bone density checked periodically.

Be aware that medications like this one can cause high blood pressure. Your doctor will likely monitor your blood pressure regularly.

This medication may interfere with allergy skin tests, so it is crucial to inform your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.

Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.

Prolonged use of this medication can also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis). Talk to your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis or if you have any questions.

You may need to reduce your salt intake and take potassium supplements. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action.

If you have diabetes, it is essential to closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.

Before consuming alcohol, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

Before receiving any vaccinations, consult with your doctor, as some vaccines may not be effective or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this medication.

If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, it can be severe or even life-threatening. Avoid contact with individuals who have these illnesses, and inform your doctor immediately if you are exposed. Steroid medications like this one can increase the risk of infection, which can be mild or severe. Wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who have infections, and inform your doctor if you experience any signs of infection.

Some infections, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis B, can reactivate in patients taking medications like this one. Inform your doctor if you have a history of these infections.

This medication can lower the natural steroid levels in your body. If you experience a fever, infection, surgery, or injury, consult with your doctor, as you may require additional oral steroid doses. Carry a warning card indicating that you may need extra steroids in certain situations.

Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can increase the risk of side effects. If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will likely recommend a gradual tapering off the medication.

If you miss a dose or recently stopped taking this medication and experience fatigue, weakness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness, inform your doctor immediately.

Long-term use of medications like this one has been associated with an increased risk of a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.

If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

This medication can affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks may be necessary, and you should discuss this with your doctor.

This medication can lower sperm counts, so if you have concerns, consult with your doctor.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, inform your doctor immediately, as it can harm the unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

If you took this medication during pregnancy, inform your baby's doctor, as they may need to monitor your child's health.

• Live or live-attenuated vaccines (in immunosuppressed patients)

• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital): Decreased prednisolone efficacy
• Carbamazepine: Decreased prednisolone efficacy
• Phenytoin: Decreased prednisolone efficacy
• Rifampin: Decreased prednisolone efficacy
• Ketoconazole, Itraconazole: Increased prednisolone effects
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Increased risk of GI ulceration/bleeding
• Warfarin: Altered anticoagulant effect (monitor INR closely)
• Diuretics (thiazide, loop): Increased risk of hypokalemia
• Digoxin: Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to hypokalemia
• Antidiabetic agents (insulin, oral hypoglycemics): Increased blood glucose, requiring dose adjustment of antidiabetics

• Cyclosporine: Increased levels of both drugs, increased risk of seizures
• Oral contraceptives/Estrogens: Increased prednisolone effects
• Fluoroquinolones: Increased risk of tendon rupture
• Cholestyramine, Colestipol: Decreased prednisolone absorption
• Anticholinesterase agents (e.g., neostigmine, pyridostigmine): May cause severe weakness in myasthenia gravis patients

• Grapefruit juice: May slightly increase prednisolone levels (minor effect)
• Vaccines (inactivated): Reduced immune response to vaccines

• Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, unusual fatigue, non-healing wounds)
• Fluid retention (swelling in ankles/feet, weight gain)
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression, euphoria)
• Gastrointestinal upset (stomach pain, black/tarry stools)
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Vision changes
• Increased thirst or urination (signs of hyperglycemia)
• Signs of adrenal insufficiency upon withdrawal (severe fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss)

Prednisolone is Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects. Human data are limited but suggest a possible increased risk of oral clefts with first-trimester exposure, though this risk is low and controversial.

Prednisolone is excreted into breast milk. The amount is generally considered low, especially with doses up to 20 mg/day. For higher doses, waiting 4 hours after a dose before breastfeeding can minimize infant exposure. Monitor the infant for signs of adrenal suppression (e.g., poor weight gain, developmental delay) or other adverse effects.

Corticosteroids can cause growth retardation in children. Monitor growth and development closely. Long-term use can lead to adrenal suppression, Cushingoid features, and increased susceptibility to infections. Alternate-day therapy may reduce some side effects.

Elderly patients may be at increased risk for adverse effects, including osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, fluid retention, and skin thinning. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Monitor closely for side effects.

• Always taper the dose gradually when discontinuing prednisolone after prolonged therapy (typically >7-10 days) to prevent adrenal insufficiency.
• Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
• Consider alternate-day dosing for long-term therapy to reduce adrenal suppression and other side effects, if clinically appropriate.
• Patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy should carry a steroid warning card.
• Monitor for signs of infection, as corticosteroids can mask symptoms.
• Educate patients on the importance of not stopping the medication abruptly.

• Other systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for inflammatory conditions (less potent)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, biologics) for autoimmune diseases (often used as steroid-sparing agents)
• Specific disease-modifying agents depending on the condition (e.g., bronchodilators for asthma, antihistamines for allergies)

If your symptoms or health condition do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist to see if this applies to your prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for clarification and guidance. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the name of the medication taken, the amount consumed, and the time it occurred.