Drug Uses

Prednisone (Deltasone) is an immunosuppressant, used in treatments of inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancer (at higher doses).

Among the inflammatory diseases that Prednisone treats are severe aphthous ulcer, migraine and cluster headaches, asthma, allergic disorders, adrenocortical insufficiency, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, hypercalcemia due to cancer, thyroiditis, severe tuberculosis, myasthenia gravis, lipid pneumonitis, multiple sclerosis, and nephrotic syndrome.

The medication is also often given to patients, who have undergone organ transplants in order to prevent organ rejection. Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid, which is metabolized in the liver to prednisolone, its active form, and is approximately four times more potent than glucocorticoid.

The dosage and the administration of this medication should be determined by a licensed physician since it varies greatly from one condition to another and from one patient to another.

When prescribed in treatments of Nephrotic Syndrome, 2 mg/kg/day is given in 3-4 daily doses; when prescribed in treatments of acute Asthma in adults, 40 mg is given every 12 hours, and when prescribed as a maintenance therapy to Asthmatic patients, 40 mg is given every other day.

Safety Information

Before taking Prednisone, please tell your doctor:

- if you are allergic to the medication
- if you have fungal infections
- if you are pregnant
- about all medical conditions that you suffer from
- about all prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as herbal remedies, vitamins, and nutritional supplements that you are using

Keep in mind that while taking Prednisone, you will be more susceptible to infections and should take care to limit the chances of exposure to possible threats.

Do not receive any vaccinations while taking this medication, without consulting your doctor first. Prednisone is known to interact with diuretics, aspirin, various blood thinners, insulin and other diabetic medications, certain seizure medications, and rifampin.

The list is not complete and you need to inform your doctor of all drugs that you are using, regardless of their nature. After you have purchased the pills, keep them in their original container, way from the reach of children, and do not share them with anyone.

Do not take larger than the prescribed dose, do not discontinue the treatment without speaking to your doctor, and if you miss a dose, take one as soon as you remember.

If you are planning a medical or dental surgery, inform the surgeon and the medical staff that you are taking Prednisone.

Possible Side Effects

The medication is a strong immunosuppressant, which could cause some serious side effects.

Some of them are increased blood sugar levels, mental disturbances, facial swelling, weight gain, mental confusion, abdominal pain, blurred vision, painful shoulders or hips, insomnia, black stool, anxiety, severe swelling, mouth sores, osteonecrosis, and others.

Minor adverse reactions include rash, diarrhea, frequent urination, acne, hyperactivity, increased appetite, leg cramps, and more. If you experience bothersome side effects while taking Prednisone, seek medical attention at once!