Prednisone
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication that mimics the actions of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It exerts anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic effects in the body.Prednisone is commonly prescribed to treat various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, certain skin conditions, and some types of cancer. It may also be used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation.
Dosage of prednisone varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual patient factors. Typically, initial doses range from 5 to 60 mg per day, with adjustments made based on response and side effects.
Prednisone is contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to prednisone or any of its components. It should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and peptic ulcer disease.
Special precautions should be taken when using prednisone in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, tuberculosis, herpes simplex eye infections, or recent vaccination. Long-term use of prednisone requires careful monitoring for potential adverse effects such as bone density loss, cataracts, and adrenal suppression.
Common side effects of prednisone include weight gain, fluid retention, hypertension, mood changes, insomnia, increased appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and gastritis. Long-term use may also increase the risk of infections and osteoporosis.
Prednisone may interact with a variety of medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, antidiabetic agents, immunosuppressants, and certain antibiotics. Concurrent use of prednisone with other corticosteroids should be avoided due to the potential for additive effects and increased risk of adverse reactions.
