What is Prednisone? |
Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug that is used as an anti-inflammatory or an immunosuppressant medication. It works by preventing the release of inflammatory substances in the body. However it also suppresses immune system. |
Prednisone available dosages and forms |
Prednisone is a prescription drug. It is available in following dosages forms: immediate-release tablet, delayed-release tablet, and liquid solution. All of these forms are taken orally.
Rayos is a Brand name for delayed-release tablet. The solution is available as a brand name drug called Prednisone Intensol and as a generic drug. The immediate-release tablet is only available as a generic drug. It is available in next doses: 1, 2, 5 and 50 mg. |
Prednisone uses |
Prednisone is approved for the treatment of:
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Prednisone side effects |
The most common side effects that occur with prednisone include:
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Prednisone serious side effects |
Patients should call their doctor right away if they experience any of following side effects:
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Can you drink alcohol while taking Prednisone? |
It is never advisable for patients to drink alcohol while they are on prednisone therapy. However, there is no proven direct interaction between prednisone and alcohol. But, their concomitant use, especially for a long-term may increase the risk for gastrointestinal side effects, because both substances may cause bleeding and especially stomach ulcers in predisposed patients.
Usually, small amounts of alcohol during low-dose-prednisone therapy should not cause any serious side effect on the patient. In fact, there are prednisone’s liquid preparations that already contain alcohol as an additive in formulation which may prove unlikely chemical reactions between small doses of alcohol and prednisone. But, predisposed patients, especially those with underlying condition on prednisone therapy need to discuss with their doctors or pharmacists if drinking alcohol may cause some side effects while they are on prednisone therapy. For example, patients suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, on a prednisone therapy must avoid alcohol in order to prevent their condition worsening. This combination can lead to further intestinal irritation thus worsening the ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease symptoms. Also, there are some patients that can tolerate drinking alcohol while taking prednisone. Both, prednisone and alcohol are metabolized and eliminated by the liver, so taking them together may be too much for the liver function. Although if few drinks are taken, it shouldn’t cause adverse effect, but it still increases the risk for liver complications. |
Prednisone warnings and precautions. Who should avoid prednisone? |
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Prednisone and weight gain |
One of the most common as well as most disturbing side effects of prednisone is weight changes. After long-term use, prednisone can cause a fat redistribution to the face, back of the neck, and abdomen, however these side effects may not be evident in some patients. Generally speaking, if the duration of the treatment is longer and the higher the dose is, the greater are the changes.
Weight gain during therapy with prednisone is related to two factors: increased calorie intake due to increased appetite and retention of fluids. In some cases, the medical condition of the patient can compound the weight changes. Rapid weight loss may occur as part of withdrawal symptoms if patient discontinue treatment with Prednisone abruptly after long-term use. |
Most common Prednisone drug interactions |
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“Can you drink alcohol while taking Claritin?”
“Can you drink alcohol with antibiotics (amoxicillin)?”
“Can you drink alcohol while taking Zyrtec D?“