Prednisone (Prednisolone)
Prednisolone is the active metabolite of prednisone which is also used as a drug. Prednisone is a synthetic cortecosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and ( at higher doses ) some types of cancer, but has significant adverse effects. Because it suppresses the immune system, it leaves the patient more susceptible to infections.
Prednisone is usually taken orally but can be dispensed by intramuscular injection or intravenous injection, it has a mainly glucocorticoid effect. Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted by the liver into Prednisolone which is the active drug and also a steroid.
Adrenal Suppression will start to occur if prednisone is taken for longer than 7 days, Eventually this may cause the body to temporarily lose the ability to manufacture natural corticosteroids which results in a dependence on prednisone.
For this reason, prednisone should not be stopped abruptly if taken for more than 7 days, instead the dosage should be gradually reduced, this weaning process may be over a few days if the course of Prednisone was short, but may take weeks or months if the patient has been on long term treatment. Abrupt withdrawal my lead to an Addisonian crisis. For those on chronic therapy, alternate day dosing may preserve adrenal function and thereby reduce side effects.
Prednisone is usually taken orally but can be dispensed by intramuscular injection or intravenous injection, it has a mainly glucocorticoid effect. Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted by the liver into Prednisolone which is the active drug and also a steroid.
Adrenal Suppression will start to occur if prednisone is taken for longer than 7 days, Eventually this may cause the body to temporarily lose the ability to manufacture natural corticosteroids which results in a dependence on prednisone.
For this reason, prednisone should not be stopped abruptly if taken for more than 7 days, instead the dosage should be gradually reduced, this weaning process may be over a few days if the course of Prednisone was short, but may take weeks or months if the patient has been on long term treatment. Abrupt withdrawal my lead to an Addisonian crisis. For those on chronic therapy, alternate day dosing may preserve adrenal function and thereby reduce side effects.