Brand Name: Deltasone
Generic Name: Prednisolone

Prednisone

(pred-NIS-zone)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Alopecia areata, autoimmune hepatitis, bullous pemphigoid, canker sores (recurrent), complicated mononucleosis/Epstein-Barr, cystic fibrosis in children, drug-induced anaphylaxis, hemosiderosis, kidney stones, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, nasal polyps, pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, polyarteritis nodosa, polymyalgia rheumatica, sudden hearing loss, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, ureteral stones, urticaria, West syndrome

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of various allergic and various inflammatory disorders, including those of the skin, endocrine system, gastrointestinal, lung, rheumatic, blood

BRAND NAME
Deltasone, Liqui-PRED, Meticorten, Orasone, Sterapred

DRUG CLASS
Anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid

DESCRIPTION
This drug decreases inflammation and suppresses the immune system by reducing activity and volume of the lymphatic system.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Insomnia, nervousness, increased appetite, indigestion, increased hair growth, diabetes mellitus, joint aches, cataracts, glaucoma, headache, impaired wound healing, thin fragile skin, loss of menstruation, sodium and fluid retention, loss of potassium or calcium, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting.

CAUTIONS

• Chronic therapy may result in irreversible adverse effects.
• Therapy with this drug may mask the symptoms of infection and increase the susceptibility of infection via immunosuppression.
• Psychiatric symptoms may develop or be aggravated.
• Diabetics may require increased doses of insulin or oral drugs to treat diabetes.
• Notify your doctor if you have bacterial or viral infections, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis, hypertension, osteoporosis, thromboembolic tendencies, congestive heart failure, convulsive disorders, myasthenia gravis, thrombophlebitis, peptic ulcer, diabetes.
• Acute adrenal insufficiency may occur with abrupt withdrawal after long-term therapy or with stress.
• Use the smallest possible dose, and for the shortest possible period of time.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Aminoglutethimide, barbiturates, cholestyramine, oral contraceptives, ephedrine, estrogens, phenytoin, ketoconazole, rifampin, oral anticoagulants, cyclosporine, isoniazid, diuretics, salicylates, somatrem, theophylline

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Caffeine intake should be limited. May cause stomach upset; take with food or snack.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Unknown

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. Excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Prolonged therapy may result in suppression of adrenal gland function. Take single daily dose in morning prior to 9 a.m. Take multiple doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Increase dietary intake of pyridoxine, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, calcium, and phosphorus. Monitor blood pressure, blood glucose and electrolytes.