Summary and background
Prednisolone is the active ingredient of the drug.
Prednisolone is an oral corticosteroid commonly prescribed across Australia to reduce inflammation and suppress immune activity. It is used when clinical benefit outweighs potential harms and should be taken only under medical supervision. For safety details see the sections on Health and Safety Caution notices and Safety standard precautions and Possible unwanted effects.
Clues and Potential Benefits
Health professionals may prescribe prednisolone for a variety of inflammatory and immune-related conditions. Typical uses include:
- Severe allergic reactions and dermatology problems such as flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis.
- Rheumatology conditions including some forms of arthritis and autoimmune connective tissue disorders.
- Acute exacerbations of asthma and some other respiratory illnesses.
- Certain blood disorders and part of specialist chemotherapy regimens for some cancers.
- Replacement therapy for specific adrenal insufficiency situations under specialist care.
- Flares of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis in selected circumstances.
- Systemic therapy for eye inflammation when topical treatment is insufficient.
- Reduction of inflammatory swelling and edema from various causes.
Treatment decisions are individualised. Your prescriber will weigh expected benefits against risks based on your health history and current condition.
Ways to Take Prednisolone
Follow the directions on your prescription along with the leaflet supplied with the medicine. General practical points:
- Take the exact dose prescribed at the times advised by your clinician. Do not change the dose without medical advice.
- Tablets are usually swallowed whole with water. If you have difficulty swallowing, ask your pharmacist about a second possibility formulations.
- Taking prednisolone with food or milk may reduce stomach upset, although it can be taken with or without food.
- If you have been on prednisolone for more than a short course, do not stop suddenly; a gradual taper may be required to avoid adrenal insufficiency.
For the process of interaction questions or dose changes consult your doctor or pharmacist. For instructions after a skipped a dose see Dose left untaken Protocol.
Dosage Formats and Potencies
In Australia prednisolone is most commonly supplied as tablets. Common strengths include:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
An oral suspension or liquid formulation may be available for children or adults who cannot swallow tablets. Your prescriber will choose the formulation and dose appropriate for your situation.
Pharmacologic category conjoined with the method of operation
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing production of inflammatory substances and by suppressing aspects of the immune response, which helps control inflammation, swelling and symptoms caused by immune overactivity.
Untaken dose Management Tips
- If you forget a single dose, skip it and take the next scheduled dose at the normal time.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose to compensate for a i skipped the dose.
- If you miss doses repeatedly, contact your clinician to review dosing times or support measures such as reminders.
Proper Mobile data at rest resides in storage until it is accessed. Procedures
- Store at around 25 degrees Celsius. Short variations between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius are usually acceptable.
- Keep the medicine away from moisture and direct sunlight; avoid bathroom a storage solution should balance access and protection..
- Store out of reach of children and pets in the original packaging.
Important Cautions and General warnings
When not to administer prednisolone
- The patient has a documented allergy to prednisolone or to any excipient present in the product.
- Active systemic fungal infections or certain untreated infections.
- Incompatibility with live vaccines while taking systemic corticosteroids.
- Concurrent administration of mifepristone is a contraindication.
Key safety measures to consider
- Increased infection risk: corticosteroids can reduce resistance to infection. Avoid close contact with contagious illnesses and contact your doctor if you develop fever or other infection signs.
- Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles if you have not had these diseases or vaccination.
- Vaccination caution: live vaccines may be unsafe while on systemic steroids; discuss timing in meeting with your clinician.
- If you will be on long-term therapy carry a steroid card or wear medical identification and inform healthcare providers before procedures.
- Blood glucose effects: steroids can raise blood sugar; people with diabetes should monitor levels and liaise with their prescriber.
- Children of today: prolonged use may affect growth; regular monitoring of operational health is recommended.
- Pregnancy through lactation: discuss benefits and risks with your clinician because prednisolone can pass into breast milk.
- Gastrointestinal risk: long-term or high-dose therapy may increase the risk of stomach irritation or ulcers, especially with NSAIDs.
- Tapering requirement: avoid abrupt cessation after extended use to prevent adrenal insufficiency; follow your prescriber s taper plan.
If you are unsure whether any of these points apply to you, contact your healthcare provider before taking prednisolone. For more on undesired reactions see Possible medication post use effects.
Potential medication indirect effects
Easygoing and lighthearted effects
Tell your prescriber if any of these persist or become troublesome:
- Acne, increased sweating or facial flushing.
- A episodic headache, dizziness or a sense of being unwell.
- Sleep onset problems and feelings of nervousness.
- Nausea, increased appetite or mild stomach upset.
- Minor coordination changes or clumsiness.
Grim consequences calling for emergency care
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, widespread rash, swelling of face or throat.
- Black, tarry stools or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.
- Major mood or behaviour changes including severe depression or agitation.
- Unexplained bruising or persistent infection symptoms such as fever and sore throat.
- Severe muscle weakness, bone or tendon pain, or visual changes.
- Marked weight gain or sudden swelling of legs or feet.
The list provides only partial coverage. Always discuss any unexpected symptoms with your doctor or pharmacist.
A Survey of Other possibilities and Comparisons
Depending on the condition and patient factors, clinicians may offer other corticosteroids or non-steroidal options. Commonly accepted substitutes include:
- Prednisone: closely related and often used interchangeably; some patients metabolise prednisone to prednisolone in the liver.
- Methylprednisolone: similar class with different potency and dosing schedules.
- Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid: longer acting and more potent; used for specific indications of.
- Hydrocortisone: typically used for adrenal replacement because of its shorter action.
- Budesonide: available as inhaled or modified-release oral forms for targeted inflammatory conditions.
- Non-steroidal choice variations: antihistamines, leukotriene antagonists, or disease-modifying agents may be used depending on diagnosis.
Price and side-effect profiles vary between these options. Your specialist will advise which is most suitable for your situation.
Price Points and Access in Australia (AUD)
Out-of-pocket costs depend on whether the prescription is subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the brand, pack size with the addition of the pharmacy.
- PBS: Many prednisolone products are listed on the PBS. Eligible patients typically pay the current PBS co-payment. As a general guide, at the time of writing the standard general co-payment is usually in the low 30s AUD and concession co-payments are single digits AUD. These figures change periodically.
- Private (non-PBS) prices: A small private pack of prednisolone tablets can often cost in the range of about 8 to 30 AUD depending on strength and quantity. Larger packs or brand-name products may be higher.
- Comparative costs: Prednisone prices are generally similar to prednisolone. Methylprednisolone can be somewhat more expensive per equivalent anti-inflammatory dose. Dexamethasone in anti inflammatory regimens tends to be inexpensive but varies by preparation and brand.
These amounts are indicative. Your final cost will depend on your PBS eligibility, pharmacy billing rates in addition to the exact prescription. Ask your pharmacist for an exact price before you fill the script.
Australian law and regulation notes
- Scheduling: Prednisolone is a Prescription Only Medicine (Schedule 4) under the national Poisons Standard.
- Supply rules: It must be prescribed by an authorised prescriber and dispensed by a pharmacist; it is not available without a prescription.
- TGA: Products should be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration for supply somewhere in Australia.
- PBS: Many prednisolone presentations are subsidised on the PBS for eligible clues that suggest; eligibility and entitlements affect cost.
- Personal importation: Under the personal importation provisions, patients may be able to bring in a limited supply for personal use in line with TGA and Australian Border Force rules; check current guidance before importing medicines.
- Prescriptions and repeats: The validity period for a prescription and also the availability of repeats is governed by the prescriber and relevant state or territory rules.
- Safety at work and driving: If prednisolone causes dizziness, mood or vision changes, avoid driving or operating machinery and seek medical advice.
- Sporting regulations: Corticosteroids used systemically may be restricted in competition. Athletes should consult Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority rules and apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption in the event that it is needed.
More Data
- Use prednisolone only for the person named on the prescription. Do not share your medicine.
- Keep follow-up appointments and any blood tests arranged by your healthcare team to monitor treatment effects.
- Report severe or unexpected unwanted effects to your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Coordinate vaccination timing, infection protective actions and tapering plans after consulting your prescriber. See Critical Warning bulletins and Harm prevention measures details are available for more we have information.
This page offers general information intended for people in Australia and does not substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow the directions of your treating Australian healthcare professional.
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