"Prednisolone" is a universal medicine of hormonal origin, which helps in cases where other medicines are ineffective. It is prescribed for many patients with a wide variety of pathologies, however, the use of the drug without the permission of a doctor is strictly prohibited.

Release forms and composition

The hormonal drug has several forms of release and is always selected individually.

  1. Pills. This is a dragee for oral administration. They act systemically, are included in the metabolism within the body. The active substance is absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive tract, after passing through the capillaries of the villi of the small intestine.
  2. Solution. This is a liquid "Prednisolone" in ampoules, which is necessary for injection. The drug works by analogy with tablets, acting systemically. The main difference, which will serve as an advantage, is the most rapid absorption in the blood.
  3. Ointment. This form is intended for local exposure to the focus of inflammation. This is the safest option for the medicine, since the internal blood flow is practically not involved in the distribution and excretion of the drug.
  4. Drops. Another option for local use, which is prescribed to patients in the treatment of organs of vision.

Regardless of form, the active substance is always the same.This is the hormone prednisone, which provides an anti-inflammatory effect.

Additional ingredients may vary. So, tablets necessarily contain a base - silicon dioxide, starch, lactose. The composition of the ointment, along with the hormone, will include paraffin, glycerin, emulsifiers and parabens. The solution for injection is a mixture of a hormonal substance and additional ingredients - sterile water, sodium hydroxide, sodium metabisulfite and nicotinamide.

Pharmacological action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

To understand why hormonal drugs are used, you need to consider their mechanism of action. It does not matter how exactly the active substance will enter the body. The medication always works according to a single principle.

The hormone begins to interact with receptors inside the cells (mainly in the liver tissue). As a result, the synthesis of specific proteins is initiated. Then begins a targeted inhibition of inflammatory processes at any stage of their development.

Prednisone has a positive effect on the patient's condition, as during its use is observed:

  • increased resistance of cell membranes to damage;
  • normalization of the exchange of water and dissolved electrolytes;
  • suppression of histamine synthesis;
  • reduction in the number of mast cells;
  • decrease in the number of antibodies.

As a result, the hormonal drug suppresses inflammation in any part of the body. By analogy, local remedies also work. They are applied to the affected area and block the formation of histamine, which leads to the rapid inhibition of allergic manifestations.

Why is prednisolone prescribed?

The hormonal drug can rightly be called multifunctional and universal. It is used for various pathologies, even in advanced forms.

The list of indications includes:

  • rheumatic fever;
  • any inflammation of the joint space;
  • multiple sclerosis;
  • pneumonia;
  • tuberculosis;
  • meningitis;
  • adrenal hyperplasia;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • inflammation of the digestive tract;
  • leukemia;
  • hypoglycemia;
  • cerebral edema.

The listed pathologies require the use of a systemic drug. The doctor prescribes injections or pills at a dosage appropriate for the age and severity of the disease.

Ointment "Prednisolone" has a slightly different list of indications. It helps with allergic reactions and other skin lesions, in particular with psoriasis or eczema. Doctors advise using the drug if dermatitis is diagnosed, which manifests itself as severe itching, turning into a burning sensation, the appearance of a rash, redness, swelling of the tissues.

Instructions for use and dosage

The drug is a prescription, so you can not get it without a doctor’s prescription.

The dosage regimen is also pre-negotiated with the doctor in order to avoid addiction and, as a result, reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Each form of release has its own nuances, which will necessarily be taken into account by a specialist.

Prednisolone 1 mg and 5 mg tablets

The drug in the form of tablets is taken orally strictly according to the scheme proposed by the doctor. The dose volume will depend mainly on the age of the patient. So, adults should receive 23-30 mg of the hormone daily. If we are talking about maintenance therapy, the amount is reduced to 5 - 10 mg per day.

The volume of medication for children is significantly reduced. The daily dose is 1-2 mg of the drug per kilogram of the child’s body. You can divide the received amount into 5-6 receptions.

Solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration

The Prednisolone injections are given not only intramuscularly, but also intraarticularly. Also, intravenous administration of a hormonal drug is provided if a quick positive effect is required. This method is necessary in extremely severe conditions. The patient is injected with a drop of 1 - 2 g of the hormone every day for 3 to 5 days.The average duration of one procedure is 30 minutes.

In all other cases, the drug is injected into the muscle or directly into the affected joint. Dose for children - 1-3 mg / kg. Adult patients receive 30-1200 mg per day, depending on the severity of the pathology.

Important. The hormone prednisone is best administered in the morning (from 6 to 8 hours). It was during this period that cortisol, the deficiency of which is covered by prednisone, is produced especially actively.

Eye drops 0.5%

When using drops, there should be no difficulty. The patient must perform instillation. Do this three times a day, instilling a liquid solution (1 or 2 drops) under the lower eyelid. After the procedure, it is recommended to sit with eyes closed for a short time. An increase in the number of eye treatments is possible after an ophthalmic surgery.

Ointment for external use 0.5%

The agent in the form of ointment is applied directly to the affected area with a thin layer. Repeat processing is allowed up to three times a day. Possible fixation with a gauze bandage.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

The drug is part of the teratogenic group. This means that when it is used, the risk of developing abnormalities in the development of the fetus increases. This fact becomes the basis for the prohibition of treatment with Prednisolone during gestation. Exception is a vital necessity.

It is necessary to refrain from hormonal medication and while breastfeeding. Lactation during therapy is canceled, and the child is transferred to a mixture selected by the pediatrician. The doctor will inform you about the possibility of resuming natural feeding.

Drug interaction

The prescription of the medicine is always done by the doctor, and the specialist should be aware of whether any other medicines are being taken, since their interaction with the hormone can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition.

  1. When combined with anti-inflammatory drugs of a non-steroidal nature, the risk of a negative effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa increases - the patient may develop gastritis or exacerbate the ulcer.
  2. With concomitant use with paracetamol, the load on the liver increases. Partial destruction of its cells is possible.
  3. When combined with immunosuppressants, the body's natural defense suffers, and it becomes exposed to pathogenic microbes.
  4. When using oral contraceptives, the toxicity of Prednisolone increases.
  5. When used in conjunction with diuretics, an imbalance in the balance of electrolytes develops.

You can avoid the negative consequences if you timely warn the doctor about the use of any medications.

Alcohol compatibility

“Prednisolone” for allergies or inflammatory processes is a fast-acting and highly effective drug, but if the patient takes alcohol, there will be no positive result.

In addition, it is proved that the interaction of the active substance with ethyl alcohol increases the toxic effect on the organs involved in the excretion of the spent drug, in particular, on the kidneys and liver. These body structures undergo negative changes, part of their cells die off, after which they cannot cope with the functions assigned to them in full.

Doctors also provide information that alcohol is able to enhance the side effects of taking a hormonal drug, so for the period of therapy it is best to refuse to drink any alcohol-containing drinks, even in small quantities.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

Doctors call a number of conditions in which the use of prednisone-based drugs is strictly prohibited.

This list includes:

  • myocardial infarction;
  • peptic ulcer;
  • infectious diseases of a bacterial or fungal nature;
  • hyperlipidemia;
  • HIV
  • pathology of the endocrine system;
  • urolithiasis disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • acute psychosis;
  • liver and kidney failure;
  • obesity;
  • lactation and pregnancy.

In all these cases, the drug can be prescribed, provided that it is necessary to maintain vital functions.

Side effects from hormone treatment usually occur when using forms of systemic exposure - tablets or injections.

The list of adverse events includes:

  • weight gain;
  • sodium retention in the body;
  • Cushing's syndrome;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • muscle weakness;
  • digestion disorder;
  • mental disorders.

With prolonged use of increased volumes of the drug, an overdose is possible. It manifests itself with characteristic symptoms - increased pressure, edema and the development of pronounced side effects.

Analogues of the drug

Hormonal drugs are not always used to treat allergies or inflammatory processes in the tissues. In some cases, it is appropriate to use funds from the NSAID group. These are powerful but safe drugs of non-steroidal origin.

The list of the most famous includes:

  • Diclofenac
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • "Indomethacin."

If none of the above means helps to improve the condition, then doctors prescribe analogues of Prednisolone, which contain hormones.

The effective list includes:

  • "Hydrocortisone";
  • Dexamed
  • Medrol;
  • Betamethasone
  • Metipred.

The decision to use any hormonal drug is always made by the doctor, taking into account the intended benefits for the patient and his initial condition. Only in this way can a positive effect be achieved quickly.

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