Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in the year 1955, for treating allergic conditions.

Prednisolone helps to treat inflammatory or allergic conditions affecting the brain (caused by tumors or meningitis) and lungs (caused by asthma, hypersensitivity, or tuberculosis). It also treats rheumatic, skin, eye, and endocrine disorders. In certain types of cancer, this drug may be used as part of chemotherapy regimens to help manage side effects like nausea and vomiting.

Take the Prednisolone Tablet as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Prednisolone are headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, dizziness, vertigo and blood clotting. Some serious side effects also include inflammation of the pancreas (very severe abdominal pains), mental health problems, severe allergic reactions (swelling on the face, tongue, or throat) and painful skin ulcers.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Stop taking this tablet and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or skin symptoms. Inform your doctor of any heart, thyroid, kidney, or liver disease. Your physician may prescribe you a low dose and perform regular blood tests. Prednisolone can suppress the immune system's ability to fight off viral infections. Therefore, it is generally contraindicated in individuals with active systemic viral infections, such as herpes zoster (shingles) or varicella (chickenpox). Before receiving any vaccinations, notify your physician if you are taking any other steroid medications. Steroids can affect the body's immune response, and it is generally advised to avoid receiving live vaccines while on steroid treatment.

If you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning for the pregnancy, it is generally recommended to consult your doctor for more advice before taking this tablet. Contact your physician for more information if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Prednisolone Tablets should be used cautiously in patients with a known history of kidney dysfunction. The medication can worsen kidney function or cause other adverse effects on the kidneys. Close monitoring of kidney function tests, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine levels, are important while receiving this drug.

This drug can increase the risk of eye problems, such as posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma, which leads to vision loss if not treated properly. Additionally, corticosteroids can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to secondary ocular infections caused by fungi or viruses. Therefore, it is important to use corticosteroids at the lowest dose for the shortest possible duration to minimize the risk of these side effects. 

If you experience any changes in your vision or eye discomfort while taking Prednisolone or any other corticosteroid, it is important to inform your doctor immediately. Even if you feel fine, you should take this medicine daily for maximum benefit.

1. Wockhardt UK Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2023], [Accessed on 6th June 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2427.pdf
2. Package leaflet: Information for the user -Prednisolone. www.hpra.ie. [Revised on March 2021],https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/727debd4-8bc0-4773-9543-2c33f8b88fef.pdf [Accessed on 6th June 2023].
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Respiratory system drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 230.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.