Asthma - Spiricort (Brand name: prednisolone)

Drug Uses

Prednisolone is used for treating allergies, arthritis, breathing problems (e.g., asthma), certain blood disorders, collagen diseases (e.g., lupus), certain eye diseases (e.g., keratitis), cancer (e.g., leukemia), endocrine problems (e.g., adrenocortical insufficiency), intestinal problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis), swelling due to certain conditions, or skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Prednisolone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Prednisolone by mouth with or without food.
Swallow Prednisolone whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Continue taking Prednisolone even if you feel good. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the body's immune response to various conditions and decreasing inflammation.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Prednisolone, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Prednisolone at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Prednisolone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Prednisolone if:

you are allergic to any ingredient of Prednisolone;
you have a systemic fungal infection, a certain type of malaria, inflammation of the optic nerve, or herpes infection of the eye;
you are scheduled to have a live or attenuated live vaccination (eg, smallpox);
you are taking mifepristone.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

Prednisolone may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contacts with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
If you are taking Prednisolone regularly over a long period of time, carry an ID card at all times that says you take Prednisolone.
Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Prednisolone . Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Prednisolone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Diabetes patients - Prednisolone may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Lab tests, including adrenal function tests, may be performed while you use Prednisolone. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Caution is advised when using Prednisolone in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Prednisolone.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Prednisolone while you are pregnant. Prednisolone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Prednisolone, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

acne; clumsiness; dizziness; facial flushing; feeling of a whirling motion; general body discomfort; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; upset stomach.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual period; changes in skin color; chest pain; easy bruising or bleeding; infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat); mental or mood changes (e.g., depression); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; sudden severe dizziness or headache; swelling of feet or legs; tendon or bone pain; thinning of skin; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

More Information

Prednisolone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.