Prednisone Asthma Treatment
Generic Prednisone (prednisolone) is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to treat many disorders such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn.
Prednisone is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant, and affects virtually all of the immune system. It can, therefore, be used in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases (such as severe asthma, severe poison ivy dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bell’s Palsy, Crohn’s disease, and Sarcoidosis), various kidney diseases including nephrotic syndrome, and to prevent and treat rejection in organ transplantation. This medicine may also reduce the sex drive. Prednisone has also been used in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Prednisone was invented in the early 1950s when Arthur Nobile at Schering demonstrated that the side-effects of cortisone, such as water retention, high blood pressure and muscle weakness, could be removed by oxidisation of the drug through exposure to microbes. The drug was introduced by Schering in the mid-1960s.
Prednisone Side Effects
The most common prednisone side effects are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, changes in appetite, weight gain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, or restlessness.
Prednisone Dosage
Take prednisone only as directed. Your doctor will usually prescribe a strict schedule for taking steroids. Take the medicine before 9 in the morning if you only take 1 dose per day. If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, take only 1 dose.
Don’t double up the doses or stop taking this medicine abruptly without talking with your doctor first. May worsen your symptoms.
Your doctor will need to reduce your dosage gradually to prevent adverse effects. Take this medicine with food or immediately following a meal to limit upset stomach. You may crush tablets and mix with food if you have difficulty swallowing. Shake liquids well and use a calibrated cup to give correct dose.
Notify your health care providers that you are taking a steroid medication prior to receiving any immunization (vaccine) or skin test. They may withhold this treatment while you are on steroid therapy. Diabetics need to monitor glucose (sugar) levels carefully. Steroids may alter your levels. Follow-up with your doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness of this medication.
Health Tips
Know Yourself and Your Risks. Your parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits, work and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your health and your risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions because of what you do, where you work, and how you play. Being healthy means doing some homework, knowing yourself, and knowing what's best for you... because you are one of a kind. Read more Health Tips »
