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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
Brand Name
Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution
Generic Name
Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
Active Ingredient
PrednisoloneCategory
Corticosteroid [EPC]
Salt Form
Sodium Phosphate
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mg/5mL | SOLUTION | ORAL | 44523-182 |
Detailed information about Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Prednisolone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. It is the active metabolite of prednisone and belongs to the glucocorticoid class of medications.
The dosage of prednisolone is highly individualized based on the specific disease being treated, the severity of the condition, and the patient's response to therapy.
Prednisolone is frequently used in children, particularly for asthma and nephrotic syndrome. Dosing is usually based on body weight or body surface area.
Healthcare providers must monitor growth and development in children receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, as these drugs can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and bone growth.
No specific dose adjustments are generally required for patients with kidney disease, as prednisolone is primarily metabolized by the liver. However, clinicians should monitor for increased fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances (such as potassium loss), which can be more problematic in patients with impaired renal function.
Because prednisolone is the active metabolite and does not require hepatic conversion (unlike prednisone), it is often preferred in patients with liver disease. However, since the liver is responsible for its metabolism and clearance, patients with severe hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis) may experience higher drug levels and an increased risk of side effects. Close clinical monitoring is advised.
Dosage selection for elderly patients should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range. Older adults are at higher risk for side effects such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and thinning of the skin. Monitoring bone mineral density and blood glucose is critical in this population.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you miss multiple doses, contact your healthcare provider immediately for guidance, as missing doses can lead to a return of symptoms or withdrawal effects.
Acute overdose of prednisolone rarely results in life-threatening toxicity. However, chronic overdose (taking too much over a long period) can lead to Cushingoid features (moon face, weight gain), muscle weakness, and severe electrolyte imbalances. In the event of an acute massive ingestion, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions precisely. Do not adjust your dose or stop the medication without medical guidance, as a gradual taper is often necessary to prevent adrenal crisis.
Corticosteroids like prednisolone affect nearly every system in the body, and side effects are common, especially with higher doses or prolonged use. Common effects include:
> Warning: Stop taking Prednisolone and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms.
When prednisolone is used for weeks or months, several chronic conditions may develop:
There are currently no FDA black box warnings for prednisolone. However, the FDA does require extensive warnings regarding the risk of infection, HPA axis suppression, and the need for gradual tapering after long-term use.
Report any unusual symptoms or changes in your health to your healthcare provider immediately. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for these potential side effects.
Prednisolone is a potent medication that requires careful medical supervision. It should only be used for the shortest duration and at the lowest effective dose possible. Patients must be aware that prednisolone can suppress the immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and potentially masking the symptoms of an existing infection. It is also vital to avoid 'live' vaccines while on high doses of prednisolone, as the immune system may not be able to process the vaccine safely.
No FDA black box warnings for Prednisolone. While it lacks a black box warning, its systemic effects are profound, and the 'Warnings' section of the official label is extensive, covering nearly every organ system.
Patients on long-term prednisolone therapy require regular monitoring to ensure safety:
Prednisolone does not typically impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, some patients may experience dizziness, blurred vision, or significant mood changes. If you experience these side effects, avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.
While there is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and prednisolone, alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and stomach ulcers. Since prednisolone also increases this risk, the combination should be avoided or limited. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with blood sugar control and sleep, potentially worsening prednisolone's side effects.
Never stop taking prednisolone abruptly if you have been taking it for more than a few days. Stopping suddenly can cause 'steroid withdrawal syndrome' or an 'adrenal crisis,' which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include severe fatigue, weakness, body aches, joint pain, and low blood pressure. Your healthcare provider will provide a 'tapering schedule' to slowly reduce the dose, allowing your adrenal glands to resume natural cortisol production.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially a history of tuberculosis, diabetes, or depression, with your healthcare provider before starting Prednisolone.
Prednisolone can affect the results of several diagnostic tests:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as well as any upcoming lab tests or surgeries.
There are specific situations where prednisolone must never be used because the risks far outweigh any potential benefits:
These are conditions where prednisolone should be used only with extreme caution and careful risk-benefit analysis by a healthcare provider:
Patients who are allergic to other corticosteroids, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone, may also be allergic to prednisolone. This is known as cross-sensitivity. Always inform your doctor if you have had an adverse reaction to any 'steroid' medication in the past.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any current infections or chronic conditions, before prescribing Prednisolone.
Prednisolone is classified by the FDA as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus (such as cleft palate), but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in humans.
Prednisolone is excreted into human breast milk in small amounts. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, prednisolone is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, to minimize exposure, some experts recommend waiting 4 hours after taking an oral dose before breastfeeding. High doses (over 40 mg daily) for long periods might theoretically cause growth suppression in the infant, so monitoring is advised.
Prednisolone is widely used in children for conditions like asthma, croup, and nephrotic syndrome. However, long-term use is associated with a risk of growth retardation. Pediatricians must monitor height and weight closely. Alternate-day dosing (taking a double dose every other morning) is sometimes used for long-term therapy to minimize HPA axis suppression and growth effects.
Older adults are more susceptible to the side effects of prednisolone. Specific concerns include:
As previously noted, no primary dose adjustment is required for kidney disease. However, because prednisolone causes sodium retention, it can worsen the edema and hypertension often seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Potassium levels must be monitored frequently, especially if the patient is on a potassium-restricted diet or taking other medications that affect potassium.
In patients with liver disease, the metabolism and clearance of prednisolone may be decreased, leading to a longer half-life and increased systemic exposure. Additionally, low levels of albumin (common in liver failure) can increase the amount of 'free' or active drug in the blood. Patients with cirrhosis should be monitored closely for signs of corticosteroid toxicity.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your doctor about your age, pregnancy status, or any organ impairment.
Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid with primarily glucocorticoid activity and low mineralocorticoid activity. Its molecular mechanism involves binding to the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) in the cytoplasm. The resulting complex moves to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and enzymes (COX-2, NOS) by interfering with the NF-κB pathway. Simultaneously, it induces the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins like Annexin A1 (lipocortin), which inhibits phospholipase A2, thereby blocking the entire arachidonic acid cascade of inflammation.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 70% to 90% |
| Protein Binding | 70% to 90% (primarily to Transcortin and Albumin) |
| Half-life | 2 to 4 hours (Plasma); 18 to 36 hours (Biological) |
| Tmax | 1 to 2 hours |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP3A4 mediated) |
| Excretion | Renal (90% as metabolites) |
Prednisolone is classified as a Corticosteroid [EPC] and a Glucocorticoid. It is closely related to other medications in this class, such as prednisone (its prodrug), methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone. While they share a similar mechanism, they differ in potency, duration of action, and the degree of mineralocorticoid (salt-retaining) effect.
Common questions about Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Solution
Prednisolone is a versatile corticosteroid used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Healthcare providers typically prescribe it for asthma, severe allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. It is also used to manage certain skin conditions, eye inflammations, and even some types of cancer like leukemia. By mimicking natural hormones, it reduces swelling and calms an overactive immune system. It is often used when a rapid reduction in inflammation is necessary to prevent tissue damage.
The most common side effects of prednisolone include increased appetite, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Many patients also report mood changes, such as irritability or anxiety, and fluid retention which can cause swelling in the legs or face. If taken for a long time, it can cause thinning of the skin and easy bruising. Because it affects metabolism, it can also lead to higher blood sugar levels. Most of these effects are dose-dependent and improve as the dose is lowered.
While there is no direct 'danger' interaction, medical experts generally advise limiting or avoiding alcohol while taking prednisolone. Both prednisolone and alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach, and combining them significantly increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Alcohol can also worsen certain side effects of the drug, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, and blood sugar fluctuations. Furthermore, alcohol can dehydrate the body, which may complicate the fluid retention issues sometimes caused by steroids. Always consult your doctor regarding your specific health risks before consuming alcohol.
Prednisolone is used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the developing fetus. It is classified as Category C, meaning animal studies have shown some risks, but human data is limited. Some studies suggest a very small increase in the risk of oral clefts (like cleft palate) if used during the first trimester. If used late in pregnancy, the newborn may need to be monitored for signs of adrenal insufficiency. Doctors often prefer prednisolone over other steroids because the placenta contains an enzyme that partially inactivates it before it reaches the baby.
The time it takes for prednisolone to work depends on the condition being treated and the route of administration. For acute allergic reactions or asthma flares, some improvement may be felt within 1 to 4 hours after an oral dose. However, for chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or skin disorders, it may take several days or even a week of consistent use to see the full therapeutic effect. Because the drug works by changing how cells produce inflammatory proteins, the process is not instantaneous. Always follow the full course prescribed by your doctor even if you feel better quickly.
No, you should never stop taking prednisolone suddenly if you have been on it for more than a few days. When you take synthetic steroids, your body's natural production of cortisol slows down or stops. If you stop the medication abruptly, your body won't have enough cortisol to function properly, leading to a dangerous condition called an adrenal crisis. Symptoms of withdrawal include extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and muscle pain. Your doctor will provide a tapering schedule to gradually lower your dose, allowing your adrenal glands to start working again.
If you miss a dose of prednisolone, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular timing. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of side effects. If you take the medication once every other day and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and then return to your regular schedule. If you are unsure what to do, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider for specific instructions.
Yes, weight gain is one of the most common and well-known side effects of prednisolone, especially with long-term use. The drug increases appetite and causes the body to redistribute fat to the face (moon face), the back of the neck (buffalo hump), and the abdomen. It also causes the body to retain sodium and water, which adds to the weight gain through fluid retention. To manage this, doctors often recommend a low-salt, low-calorie diet and regular exercise. Most 'steroid weight' is lost once the medication is discontinued and the body's metabolism returns to normal.
Prednisolone can interact with many other medications, so it is vital to provide your doctor with a full list of everything you take. It can interact dangerously with 'live' vaccines and significantly increase the risk of stomach ulcers when taken with NSAIDs like ibuprofen. It may also reduce the effectiveness of diabetes medications and blood thinners like warfarin. Some drugs, like certain antibiotics or anti-seizure medications, can change how fast your body processes prednisolone. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosages to ensure all your medications work safely together.
Yes, prednisolone is widely available as a generic medication in many forms, including tablets and oral solutions. Generic versions are typically much more affordable than brand-name versions like Orapred or Millipred and are required by the FDA to be bioequivalent. This means the generic version must have the same active ingredient, strength, and effectiveness as the brand-name drug. Because it is a long-standing and essential medication, it is covered by almost all insurance plans and is readily available at most pharmacies.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Prednisolone)