Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PREDNISOLONE SOLUTION/SYRUP - ORAL

(pred-NIS-oh-loan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Orapred, Pediapred, Prelone

Uses

Prednisolone is a man-made (synthetic) corticosteroid used to reduce swelling (inflammation) seen in various medical conditions including: allergic reactions, breathing disorders (e.g., asthma, COPD), skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, hives), digestive/stomach problems (e.g., colitis), arthritis, adrenal gland problems, cancer, blood disorders, eye diseases, or multiple sclerosis. It is also used along with other medicines to prevent or treat organ transplant rejection. This dosage form (oral liquid) is frequently used in children or for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight/body size, medical condition, and response to therapy. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse or serious side effects may occur if this drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Side Effects

Hot flashes, sweating, headache, increased appetite, nausea/stomach upset, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach/intestinal pain, trouble breathing, swelling, rash, weak/thinning skin, unusual weight gain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: changes in vision, persistent sore throat or fever, change in amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, seizures, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the signs of low steroid levels, such as: unusual weakness, weight loss, severe nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: internal (systemic) fungal infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes, thyroid disorder, eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, ulcerative colitis), "soft bones" (osteoporosis), nerve or muscle disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis), any infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes, bacterial infections), any allergies (especially to other corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone). Because this medication can decrease your immune system function, do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (e.g., oral polio vaccine). Also, avoid contact with people currently infected with the chickenpox or the measles. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to the chickenpox or measles virus. Serious infection or injury, severe emotional stress, or major surgery may increase your body's need for steroids. You may need to take supplemental corticosteroids in these cases, especially during the first year after stopping prolonged use of this medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. This medication can affect the growth of infants and children if given for prolonged periods. Monitor growth progress carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood glucose frequently as directed by your doctor. Your diabetes medication or treatment may need to be adjusted. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, secobarbital), phenytoin, ephedrine, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), aspirin or arthritis medication (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen), cyclosporine, estrogen- containing products (e.g., estradiol, certain birth control pills), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), amphotericin B, oral diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, pioglitazone), certain drugs for Alzheimer's disease (e.g., donepezil, tacrine), neostigmine, pyridostigmine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe swelling and weight gain, joint/muscle pain, unusually fast heartbeat, severe swelling (especially in the mid- section/stomach area).

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. To help prevent "soft bones" (osteoporosis) during prolonged prednisolone use, perform doctor-approved weight-bearing exercises and take your recommended daily calcium and vitamin D. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Inform all of your doctors that you use (or have used) this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Consult your prescription label or packaging for storage requirements. Ask your pharmacist for more information if needed.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).