Prednisone

Question 1

What is Prednisone’s brand name?

Answer 1

Deltasone

Question 2

What is Prednisone’s therapeutic category?

Answer 2

Corticosteroid

Question 3

What are Prednisone’s indications?

Answer 3

Allergic reactions, Autoimmune disorders, dermatologic conditions, Rheumatoid arthritis, Acute asthma exacerbation/respiratory diseases, multiple sclerosis

Question 4

What is Prednisone’s usual adult dose?

Answer 4

Condition specific doses
5-60mg
Discontinuation of long term of high doses require gradual tapering (prevents HPA axis suppression which can lead to adrenal crisis)

Question 5

What are Prednisone’s side effects?

Answer 5

GI (weight gain, increased appetite), osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, fluid retention

Question 6

What are Prednisone’s monitoring parameters?

Answer 6

BP, electrolytes, blood glucose, growth in children - bone mass density

Question 7

What are Prednisone’s available dosage forms?

Answer 7

Oral tablet: 1mg, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 50mg

Oral soln: 1mg/ml, 5mg/ml

Question 8

What are Prednisone’s counseling points?

Answer 8

Take with food or milk or after meals to decrease GI upset
Avoid alcohol, limit caffeine
Taper dose after prolonged use
May require increased dietary pyridoxine, vit C, vit D, folate, calcium, phosphorous