Prednisolone tablets

What are prednisolone tablets?
PREDNISOLONE (Orapred ODT) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions and can be used to treat severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis and other conditions. Generic prednisolone tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
�cataracts or glaucoma
�Cushing's syndrome
�diabetes
�heart problems, or previous heart attack
�high blood pressure or blood clotting disorder
�infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox
�myasthenia gravis
�psychosis
�osteoporosis
�recent surgery
�seizures (convulsions)
�stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis
�under-active thyroid
�an unusual or allergic reaction to prednisolone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
�pregnant or trying to get pregnant
�breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you take this medicine just once a day, take it in the morning. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Take the regular tablets by mouth. Swallow with a drink of water.

The oral disintegrating tablets (Orapred ODT�) are made to dissolve in the mouth without water. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve, then swallow. You may take these tablets with water, but it is not necessary. Do not break or crush the tablets. Do not take broken tablets or pieces of the tablet.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it a soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.

What drug(s) may interact with prednisolone?
�acetazolamide
�amphotericin B
�antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
�barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
�blood thinners
�bosentan
�calcium supplements
�certain heart medicines
�female hormones, including contraceptives or birth control pills
�live virus vaccines, and other toxoids and vaccines
�medicines for diabetes
�phenytoin
�rifabutin
�rifampin
�water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking prednisolone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
�bloody or black, tarry stools
�confusion, excitement, restlessness, a false sense of well-being
�eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes
�fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal
�frequent passing of urine
�increased thirst
�irregular heartbeat
�menstrual problems
�mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self-importance or of being mistreated
�muscle cramps or weakness
�nausea, vomiting
�pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
�rounding out of face
�skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
�stomach pain
�swelling of feet or lower legs
�unusual bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
�unusual tiredness or weakness
�weight gain or weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
�diarrhea or constipation
�headache
�increased or decreased appetite
�increased sweating
�nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
�upset stomach
�unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body

What should I watch for while taking prednisolone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking prednisolone over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your prescriber's name and address. Do not suddenly stop taking prednisolone. You may need to gradually reduce the dose, so that your body can adjust. Follow the advice of your prescriber or health care professional.

If you are taking prednisolone regularly, avoid contact with people who have an infection. You will have an increased risk from infection while taking prednisolone. Do not receive any vaccinations as you may get a strong reaction, and avoid people who have recently taken oral polio vaccine. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received prednisolone within the last twelve months.

If you receive prednisolone every day, you may need to watch your diet. Your body can lose potassium while you are taking this medicine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your diet.

Prednisolone can affect your blood sugar. If you are diabetic check with your prescriber or health care professional if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are taking prednisolone. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Prednisolone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results.

People who are taking certain dosages of prednisolone may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking prednisolone before receiving any vaccine.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

�