Macro view

Prednisolone is a prescription corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation and to damp down an overactive immune response. Clinicians prescribe it for a broad range of short and long term problems where inflammation or immune modulation is required.

Typical clinical situations include acute allergic episodes, inflammatory joint disease, asthma exacerbations, selected autoimmune and haematological conditions, some eye inflammations, certain oncology regimens, adrenal replacement in specific circumstances, inflammatory bowel disease and numerous dermatological disorders.

Accessible strengths

In the UK prednisolone tablets are normally supplied in a variety of oral strengths. Common tablet strengths and formulations are:

  • 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg oral tablets.
  • Dispersible or soluble oral formulations for patients who cannot swallow whole tablets.
  • Intravenous or intramuscular preparations used in hospital settings for acute management.

If you have any doubt which form you have been giveninspect the details. the label and speak to the pharmacist or prescriber.

Who it is intended for

Prescribers select prednisolone for many different patient groups. Commonly seen signs include:

  • Severe allergic reactions and significant seasonal allergy flares.
  • Inflammatory rheumatic diseases and flare-ups of arthritis.
  • Acute exacerbations of asthma and other airway inflammatory episodes.
  • Autoimmune haematological conditions and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus.
  • Eye inflammations such as uveitis under ophthalmology care.
  • Some cancer treatment protocols or to manage treatment unwanted effects.
  • Replacement therapy for specific types of adrenal insufficiency.
  • Moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis.
  • Extensive or severe dermatological conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Only take prednisolone if it has been prescribed for you. For any off-label use your clinician should explain the intended benefit coupled with the potential adverse effects.

How to take on a task prednisolone

Always follow the exact directions on your prescription in conjunction with the advice of your prescriber or pharmacist. Practical points to remember:

  • Take the dose at the times specified by your prescriber. If instructions are unclear, contact the prescriber or the dispensing pharmacist before taking the medicine.
  • Unless you have a dispersible or soluble product, swallow tablets whole with water.
  • Taking the tablet with food or milk can reduce the chance of stomach discomfort.
  • For courses that last many weeks, do not stop suddenly. A gradual taper is often required to allow the body to recover normal adrenal function.

For issues relating to vaccination timing, infection risk or stepwise dose reductions see the important hazard prevention safety measures and notice of risk section or consult your prescriber.

What happens with the addition of the the means by which it operates by which it works

Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It reduces the production of chemicals that drive inflammation and suppresses certain immune cells, so symptoms such as pain, swelling and redness are reduced as inflammatory activity falls.

Advice regarding a a dose was skipped

If you forget a single dose, take the next scheduled dose at the usual time. Do not take a second dose to make up for the dose you missed. If you have missed several doses or you are on a tapering regimen, contact your prescriber for personalised instructions.

Long term warehouse storage helps organize stock and streamline fulfillment. tips

  • Store tablets at around 25 C; short periods between 15 C and 30 C are acceptable.
  • Keep medication in its original container, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and damp areas such as bathrooms.
  • Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children and pets and dispose of any unused or expired medicine in line with local support and guidance.

Be advised and key safety essential precautions

Prednisolone conditions that preclude use and situations in which it should not be used it

  • The patient has a known hypersensitivity to prednisolone or to any excipient of the product.
  • Active, untreated systemic fungal infections or some parasitic infections.
  • Certain eye infections, for example active ocular herpes simplex.
  • Concurrent treatment with mifepristone.
  • Planned administration of live vaccines while receiving systemic corticosteroids.

If any of the above apply to you, speak with your healthcare professional before starting prednisolone.

Other important safety notes for users

  • Infection risk: steroids can reduce immune defenses. Avoid close contact with contagious persons and seek medical advice promptly if you develop signs of infection.
  • Vaccinations: live vaccines are often not recommended while taking systemic steroids; discuss immunisation timing in alliance with your prescriber.
  • Inform all clinicians, dentists and surgeons that you are taking prednisolone before any procedure.
  • Diabetes mellitus, the sugar disease: steroids can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes monitor your glucose more closely and liaise with your diabetes team.
  • Observation and tracking: prolonged therapy may require blood tests and assessment of adrenal function during and after treatment.
  • The young: long term systemic steroids can affect growth; regular paediatric keeping track of metrics is important.
  • Prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding: discuss the balance of benefits and risks with your prescriber, since prednisolone is transferred in small amounts into breast milk.
  • Steroid emergency information: patients on long term or high dose corticosteroids in the UK are usually advised to carry a Steroid Emergency Card. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist how to obtain one.

Possible negative effects

Pervasive effects

Harmful responses are more likely with higher doses or early in treatment. Contact your clinician if any symptom is severe or persistent:

  • Changes to the skin such as acne or thinning.
  • Cephalalgic pain, dizziness or problems with balance.
  • Sweat rate is up or facial flushing.
  • Raised appetite and associated weight changes.
  • Gastrointestinal upset including nausea or indigestion.
  • Poor sleep quality, mood swings, anxiety or irritability.

Severe reactions that demand urgent medical attention

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of mouth or throat, or a widespread rash.
  • Severe gastrointestinal bleeding or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.
  • Major psychiatric changes such as severe depression, confusion or hallucinations.
  • Unusual bruising, persistent fever, sore throat, or other potential signs of serious infection.
  • Sudden, severe bone or muscle pain, marked weakness or changes in vision.

Integrative medicine and analogous drugs

Choice of an an optional path depends on the condition being treated, the required potency and patient factors. Never stop or switch medications without professional advice. Some different choices prescribers may consider include:

  • Methylprednisolone - similar uses, available orally and by injection; sometimes preferred for pulse therapy.
  • Prednisone - a prodrug converted to prednisolone in the liver; selection may depend on liver function and local practice.
  • Dexamethasone used in therapy - more potent and longer acting milligram for milligram; used where a prolonged effect is needed.
  • Hydrocortisone - often used for adrenal replacement as it more closely mirrors natural cortisol.
  • Budesonide - offers pronounced first-pass metabolism and can give local effects in the bowel or airway with lower systemic exposure.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (for respiratory disease) such as beclometasone or fluticasone to reduce systemic effects compared with oral therapy.
  • Non-steroidal approaches such as NSAIDs, antihistamines or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be used instead of or together with steroids depending on the diagnosis.

For comparisons to fee schedule and cost considerations see typical price data for the United Kingdom. For clinical selection consult your prescriber or specialist.

Average costs across the United Kingdom (indicative)

Actual cost varies with how you obtain the medicine, the strength, the pack size and whether you qualify for any NHS exemptions. Typical retail and NHS-related points:

  • NHS prescription charge: in England many patients pay a standard fee per item; this charge may change over time. Prescriptions are generally free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • Approximate private or online pharmacy examples in GBP (GBP = British pounds sterling):
    • Prednisolone 5 mg, 28 tablets: roughly 3 to 8 GBP.
    • Prednisolone 10 mg, 28 tablets: roughly 4 to 9 GBP.
    • Prednisolone 20 mg, 28 tablets: roughly 5 to 12 GBP.
  • Comparative notes: methylprednisolone products often cost slightly more than generic prednisolone; dexamethasone tablets are low cost per tablet but used at lower doses due to higher potency; hydrocortisone costs vary with replacement dose and formulation.

The figures are for guidance and not a final figure. Final prices depend on pharmacy fees, dispensing charges and any consultation required. Ensure you check every time. with a local pharmacy or a GPhC-registered online supplier for current prices.

Further reading and advice

  • Use prednisolone only for the person named on the prescription. Do not share medicines that need a prescription with anyone.
  • If you suspect any adverse effect listed in possible untoward effects, contact a healthcare professional without delay.
  • For personalised guidance on dose changes, tapering or vaccine timing consult your prescriber and recheck the cautions and safety notices section above.
  • Reliable online resources include NHS.uk and MHRA publications; you can also speak directly to your pharmacist for local advice.

Additional aspects about Prednisolone