Drug Notes

Prednisolone (By mouth)

Prednisolone (pred-NIS-oh-lone)

Treats many diseases and conditions, especially problems related to inflammation. Also treats flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, such as colitis, multiple sclerosis, or arthritis. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Millipred, Millipred DP, Orapred, Orapred ODT, Pediapred, Veripred 20

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water. Do not break the tablet, and do not use a tablet that is broken.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Missed dose:
  • Every day schedule: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Every other day schedule: If you remember in the morning of the regularly scheduled day, take the missed dose that same morning. If you remember the missed dose later in the day, skip the missed dose and take your dose the next morning. Then go back to your regular schedule on the following day. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid .

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how prednisolone works. Tell your doctor if you use any of the following:
  • Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digoxin, isoniazid, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin
  • Blood thinner, such as warfarin
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Diabetes medicine
  • Macrolide antibiotic, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin
  • Estrogen, including birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, a recent heart attack, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor about any infection you have. Also tell your doctor if you have had mental or emotional problems (such as depression) or stomach or bowel problems (such as an ulcer or diverticulitis).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Mood or behavior changes
  • Higher blood pressure, retaining water, changes in salt or potassium levels in your body
  • Cataracts or glaucoma (with long-term use)
  • Weak bones or osteoporosis (with long-term use)
  • Slow growth in children (with long-term use)
  • Muscle problems (with high doses, especially if you have myasthenia gravis or similar nerve and muscle problems)
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine could cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to chicken pox, measles, or other serious infection. Tell your doctor if you had a serious infection in the past, such as tuberculosis or herpes.
• Tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Every other day schedule: You might have some mild symptoms of your illness on the day you do not take the medicine (the “off” day). If this is a problem for you, tell your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
• Depression, trouble sleeping, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or red or black stools
• Skin changes or growths
• Trouble seeing, eye pain, headache

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Increased appetite, weight gain
• Round, puffy face
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017