Medication Guide: Prednisone / Prednisolone

Prednisone / Prednisolone

Prednisolone Sodium Sumlinate

Prednisolone Acetate

Prednisolone

Prednisone

Availability

1 mg/mL in 30mL prednisone oral solution/syrup
15 mg/5mL in 240mL prednisolone syrup
5 mg and 20mg prednisolone tablets
2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg prednisone tablets
10 mg/mL prednisone injectable suspension

Pharmacology

Prednisone and prednisolone are synthetic members of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. They are an intermediate acting, broad antiinflammatory, medication. Typically stating, this means that the action of one dose lasts from a day to a day and a half.
Prednisone and prednisolone have less activity than the longer acting dexamethasone or betamethasone, but exhibit greater activity than hydrocortisone.

Though prednisone and prednisolone are used in the same manner and equally as effective, they should not be confused with each other. Prednisone is activated by the liver into prednisolone. For this reason, and because it is more easily absorbed, prednisolone is the drug of choice when hepatic disease or insufficiency is present.

Both prednisone and prednisolone are readily absorbed and distributed into muscle, liver, intestines, and kidneys. It is also distributed in breast milk and crosses the placental barrier. Glucocorticoids have been found to cause abortion and should not be used in pregnant animals.

They are both metabolized in the liver, and excreted in the urine.

Indications

Used as an antiinflammatory and immunosuppressant in the following:

Inner ear infections so called wry neck or head tilt

Adjunctive treatment in respiratory disorders such as pneumonia

Supportive/palliative treatment in the presence of tumors.

In severe itching

In treating shock to improve circulation

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Do not give in active untreated infections, or viral and fungal diseases of the eye.

Use with caution in CHF and colitis.

Has only minor mineralcorticoid effect and should not be used alone to treat adrenal insufficiency.

When used with NSAIDS will increase GI distress or cause bleeding, use with caution.

Adverse Reactions

EENT: cataracts, glaucoma

CV: CHF, edema

GI: Known to increase appetite but may have opposite effect in rats.

GU: Increased thirst and urination due to activity in the kidney leading to conservation of salt.

Skin: delayed wound healing

Local: atrophy at injection site

Other: may mask or exacerbate infections already present.

Dosage Recommendations

0.25 mg/lb to 1 mg/lb , PO , SID(once a day) ⁴
*Note: Prednisone is normally used for a few days to a couple of weeks, but where illness is deemed terminal, it may be used longer to provide comfort to the rat.
or
if oral solution of 1mg/1 mL then give 0.25mL/lb to 1 mL/lb ⁴

0.5 mg/kg to 2.2 mg/kg SC, IM ¹

Considerations

Recommended for short duration. If intending long term use for a chronic process, it is important to try (if desease process permits) and taper dose down to an every other day schedule. Doing so helps the body to be able to maintain its own production and source of cortisone. Sudden withdrawal of drug may be fatal if given over a period of time.
Check with veterinarian prior to stopping, or to determine how best to gradually reduce dosage.

Store in tightly closed container at cool room temperature.

Posted on June 23, 2003, 16:14, Last updated on March 17, 2008, 17:40 | Endocrine Hormones