What is Prednisolone tablets and what are its indications: Enhancing your body with additional corticosteroids (such as Prednisolone tablets) is an effective way to treat various diseases involving inflammation in the body. Prednisolone reduces this inflammation, which can otherwise continue to worsen your condition. You should take this medication regularly to get the maximum benefit from it. Do not take Prednisolone if: • You are allergic to Prednisolone or any other components of this medication • You have any infection, unless you are receiving specific treatment for it • You suffer from eye herpes infection • You have lactose intolerance or malabsorption of glucose and galactose Precautions and warnings: Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before taking Prednisolone if: • You have previously experienced severe depression or bipolar disorder. This includes having experienced depression while taking steroid medications like Prednisolone • Any of your close family members have had these illnesses. Also, talk to your doctor before taking Prednisolone if you have: • Osteoporosis, especially in women after menopause • High blood pressure or heart failure • Diabetes or a family history of diabetes • Tuberculosis or a history of tuberculosis • Glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma • A history of muscle weakness caused by steroid treatment • Liver or kidney problems • Epilepsy, seizures • Peptic ulcer • Hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue and weight gain • Recent heart attack • Any blood clots • Cushing's disease • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease • Scleroderma (also known as systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder) Possible side effects of Prednisolone: The following symptoms may occur: fatigue, increased white blood cell count, serious mental health problems, blood clotting, nausea and vomiting, heart problems, seizures, dizziness, headache, vertigo, insomnia, skin thinning, bruising, stretch marks, redness patches, itching, rash, hives, acne, excessive hair growth, slow wound healing, increased sweating, absence or irregularity of menstruation, face becoming very round, weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, carbohydrate imbalance in diabetes, euphoria (feeling high), dependence on treatment, general malaise, vision problems, worsening of schizophrenia, worsening of epilepsy, increased risk of stroke in Horton’s disease, increased pressure in the eyeball (glaucoma), pressure on the optic nerve, thinning of eye tissues (sclera and cornea), bulging eyes, worsening of viral or fungal eye infections, existing infections may worsen, previous infections such as wasting tuberculosis, muscle pain, bone fractures, tendon rupture, indigestion, stomach ulcers with bleeding or perforation. Other medications and Prednisolone: Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: • Anticonvulsants used to treat seizures or epilepsy. • Antivirals like Ritonavir used for HIV infection • Antibiotics such as Erythromycin, Rifampicin, and Rifabutin • Thalidomide and Amiglutethimide, used for some cancers • Coumarin anticoagulants like Warfarin used to thin the blood • Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) • Somatropin or growth hormones • Isoniazid, used to treat tuberculosis • Antifungals like Ketoconazole and Amphotericin used for fungal infections • Cyclosporine, used for rheumatic diseases, skin complaints, infections, or post-transplant • Live vaccines • Drugs used to relax muscles during surgery • Cardiac glycosides, such as Digoxin and related drugs called cardiac glycosides • Salbutamol, Formoterol, Fenoterol, Ritodrine, Bambuterol, Salmeterol, and Terbutaline • Insulin and other drugs used for diabetes • Drugs used to treat high blood pressure • Theophylline, used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease • Loop diuretics such as Furosemide used for heart failure and Thiazide diuretics How to take Prednisolone: Swallow Prednisolone tablets whole (do not chew) with water. Take your tablets with food or after meals. Adults and the elderly: Your doctor may decide to start treatment with Prednisolone with a dose from 5 mg to 60 mg taken daily, either in multiple doses throughout the day, or as a single dose in the morning after breakfast, or as a double dose on consecutive days. The dose may be reduced after a few days to 2.5 mg to 15 mg daily, but your doctor may decide that higher doses are needed for several weeks or months. Children: Prednisolone may very rarely be given to children for specific conditions. The smallest effective dose for the shortest possible time should be given. Storage of Prednisolone: • Keep this medication out of sight and reach of children. • Do not store above 25°C. • Do not use this medication after the expiration date printed on the package. The expiration date refers to the last day of the month.