Prednisolone Rx for Inflammatory Disorders

Prednisolone brand or generic is a corticosteroid drug that your doctor can prescribe for a variety of inflammatory disorders and conditions, including allergic conditions, skin or gastrointestinal and blood diseases, certain cancers, eye conditions, and nervous system conditions. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Corticosteroids act like the steroid hormone that is naturally produced in your body by your adrenal glands, known as cortisol. During times of stress, cortisol is produced in response to prepare your body for a fight-or-flight situation, as well as when you wake up in the morning or when you are exercising. When you are at rest or not anxious, hormone levels return to normal.

How Prednisolone Works in Your Body

Cortisol also works to reduce inflammation in your body by suppressing your immune system. Sometimes it is just not enough, so your doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid. When taken as directed, Prednisolone will work to suppress your immune system in order to reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals, such as prostaglandins, histamine, and leukotrienes. This results in the constriction of blood vessels to reduce blood flow to the affected area so the redness, pain, and swelling is decreased and the inflammation will settle down.

What is PMR?

Prednisolone is one of the main steroid drugs prescribed to treat Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the linings of certain joints, including hip and shoulders. Women appear to have PMR more than men and usually occurs around the age of 50 years old. One key symptom of PMR is morning stiffness that lasts for 45 minutes or more.

Diagnosis can be difficult, but there are a couple of blood tests that your doctor can suggest you have done that will indicate the level of certain kinds of inflammation. Other symptoms of PMR include fatigue, fever, weight loss, night sweats, and stiffness in other areas such as your neck and upper arms.

Before You Start Taking Prednisolone

Ask your doctor if Prednisolone is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements. This information can help your doctor determine if Prednisolone is right for you.

Important to Know When Taking Prednisolone

Long-term use of any steroid drugs to suppress your immune system is not advised. However, once your symptoms are under control your doctor can prescribe a lower dose of Prednisolone as a maintenance dose to keep inflammation at bay. If your condition has cleared up entirely, do not stop taking Prednisolone without talking to your doctor first as you may need to reduce your dose gradually to avoid the risk of increased side effects if stopped suddenly.

Possible Side Effects of Prednisolone

• Heartburn
• Trouble sleeping
• Thirsty/frequent urination
• Increased appetite

Other Drugs Similar to Prednisolone

• Prednisone
• Rayos
• Decadron