Prednisone 5 mg
60 tablets
Active ingredient: prednisone
Prednisone is an artificially produced glucocorticoid (adrenal hormone) with immunosuppressive activity, that is, it suppresses the immune system. It deliberate administration for immunosuppression (eg allergies), and for the treatment of inflammatory reactions.
So acts prednisone
Glucocorticoids such as prednisone have diverse effects in the body. Among other things, they inhibit the immune system (immunosuppressive effect) and thus help against allergic reactions. They also have anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators (such as cytokines).
Prednisone as a prodrug is inactive per se and is only converted in the liver to its active form, prednisolone,.
Up, reduction and elimination of prednisone
The glucocorticoid is inwardly (systemic) applied approximately in the form of tablets or suppositories. In addition, it can be administered for a more rapid onset and directly into a vein.
Via the gastrointestinal tract, the active substance is rapidly and completely absorbed into the blood. After his conversion to prednisolone in the liver, he will later also metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites which are then excreted in the urine. The effect of the glucocorticoid holds at relatively long (18 to 36 hours).
When applied prednisone?
Prednisone is used in different diseases. Some examples:
allergies
Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis asthmoid, Krupp syndrome
Hörsturz
Inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
Rheumatic diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus
In addition, the glucocorticoid may include a lack of cortisone in the body balance (replacement therapy), which may arise due to adrenal insufficiency.
So prednisone is applied
Prednisone is used in a variety of dosage forms (such as tablet, injection or infusion) and various dosages. The doctor will decide in individual cases and depending on the type and severity of the disease to be treated, which preparation at what dose is most appropriate.
In principle, glucocorticoids such as prednisone should be applied where short and as low doses as possible. With prolonged use, it is important to take into account the daily rhythm of the body's own cortisone production. Accordingly, the main dose of the drug is usually taken in the morning (when the adrenal cortex normally secretes large amounts of cortisone). To end a prolonged use may glucocorticoids such as prednisone not be stopped abruptly. Instead, a "tapering" necessary: The dose is gradually decreased.
In an acute emergency, such as anaphylactic shock, the drug is as short as possible, but administered in high doses.
What side effects does prednisone?
Since glucocorticoids such as prednisone affect many organs and organ system, including the possible side effects are manifold. They are, among other things depending on the dosage form, the dosage and the duration of use. Possible side effects of systemic administration of prednisone or other glucocorticoids are, for example:
elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to weight gain and diabetes mellitus with time
Redistribution of body fat, resulting in full-moon face, truncal obesity and buffalo hump
increased water accumulation in the body
Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
increased susceptibility to infection (by immunosuppression)
Skin disorders (such as atrophy, impaired wound healing, steroid)
Degradation of bone tissue (to osteoporosis) and muscle tissue (muscle wasting)
stomach ulcers
Lens opacity (cataract), glaucoma, and other ocular Adverse Events
mental changes such as insomnia, nervousness, depression
What should be considered in the application of prednisone?
You should not take prednisone if you are allergic to the drug.
A therapy with glucocorticoids such as prednisone requires in certain cases a careful surveillance. This is the case in severe hypertension, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, severe osteoporosis, existing infections (such as herpes infections), considerable tendency to blood clots (thrombosis) and active peptic ulcer.
During long-term treatment with glucocorticoids such as prednisone, the doctor for the prevention of side effects may prescribe other medicines. Examples include insulin (against increased blood sugar levels in diabetes), antihypertensives (antihypertensive), proton pump inhibitors (stomach ulcers), and vitamin D and calcium (osteoporosis).
interactions
Prednisone can interact with other drugs, which can change their own activity profile or the other substance.
So with concomitant administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac) increases, for example, the risk of stomach ulcers.
If glucocorticoids such as prednisone administered with laxatives (laxative), diuretics (diuretics) or amphotericin B (antifungal agents), increases the risk of potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).
Barbiturates (for anesthesia and epilepsy), rifampicin (antibiotic against tuberculosis) and other drugs increase the breakdown of prednisone, so the dose may need to be increased.
Concomitant use of activated carbon (against diarrhea and poisoning) or cholestyramine (cholesterol-lowering) impaired the absorption of glucocorticoids such as prednisone.
pregnancy and breast feeding period
Prednisone may be used during pregnancy if it is necessary. The same applies in lactation - the drug is only in small amounts in breast milk. Must be administered Mother repeats a high dose, then every three to four hours should be serviced with breastfeeding.
