UsesUsed to treat various types of inflammations including asthma, arthritis and allergies, problems of the digestive system, skin, eyes, kidney, heart or blood It is also used to suppress immune response (to prevent rejections in organ transplants) and in various tumors
Mechanism of ActionIt increases the level of glucocorticoid in the body and works by decreasing the formation of substances that cause inflammation and suppresses immunity to stops self damage to body by immune system (auto-immune reactions occurring in organ transplants or cancer)
DosageAdult: PO- Initial: Up to 120 mg/day. Maintenance: 3-18 mg/day Child: Tablet: 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day given on alternate days Suspension: 5ml - 60ml per day
Side EffectsIncreased blood sugar, increased appetite and weight gain Indigestion, abdominal bloating, nausea, ulceration in the stomach or intestine, inflammation of the pancreas and throat ulcer Muscle weakness and thinning of bones Pimples, bruising, stretch marks, increased sweating, change in pigmentation and increased hair growth Mood changes including irritability, depression and suicidal thoughts, psychotic reactions, anxiety, confusion, memory loss and sleep disturbances Irregular periods High blood pressure Blood clot events and hiccups
Warnings/PrecautionsCaution should be exercised in patients with history of adrenal suppression, infections (ex- chickenpox , shingles , measles ) children, elderly, tuberculosis, muscle pain, recent heart attack, high blood pressure, heart failure, liver failure, kidney impairment, sugar, increased eye pressure, osteoporosis, corneal damage, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, under active thyroid, during pregnancy and breastfeeding Avoid long-term use of this medication and abrupt withdrawal Avoid contact with people with infections that can be spread to others Patients may develop with increased risk of confusion, irritability, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, mood changes and depression, and suffer from delusions and suicidal thoughts if it is taken excess; if it is so consult with your doctor