Prednisolone tablets and liquid

What prednisolone is for

Prednisolone is a type of medicine called a steroid.

Steroid medicines help reduce swelling and inflammation. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.

Prednisolone can help with conditions that cause swelling and conditions caused by your immune system attacking itself, including:

• allergies
• asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• skin conditions, such as atopic eczema and hives

It can also be used to prevent your body rejecting a donor organ after having a transplant or to help manage Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency).

How to take prednisolone

Prednisolone usually comes as tablets and liquid (oral solution) you swallow, but it can also come as other types. There's also a type of tablet you dissolve in water and drink (soluble tablets).

How much you need to take and how long for depends on which type it is and why you're taking it. Most people take it once a day, in the morning, after breakfast. Your dose may go up or down depending on your symptoms and if your condition gets better or worse.

When taking prednisolone:

• swallow tablets whole with water, do not chew or crush them – you can also dissolve soluble tablets in a glass of water
• check the packet or leaflet to see if you can take it with or without food
• if you're taking the liquid medicine, use the cup or spoon that comes with it to help you measure the right dose

Depending on your condition and how long you need to take prednisolone for, you may be given a blue steroid card, and a (red) steroid emergency card. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about these.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of prednisolone

If you forget to take a dose of prednisolone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much prednisolone

Taking an extra dose of prednisolone is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes be dangerous.

How to stop taking prednisolone

Do not stop taking prednisolone without talking to a doctor first. Your doctor may reduce how much you take gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or make your condition worse.

Side effects of prednisolone

Like all medicines, prednisolone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of prednisolone include:

• anxiety and mood changes such as feeling irritable
• wanting to eat more than usual and putting on weight
• problems sleeping (insomnia)
• headaches
• feeling sick (nausea)
• indigestion

Prednisolone will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Serious side effects

Prednisolone can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare. They're more likely if you're taking a high dose or you've been taking it for more than 2 weeks.

Possible serious side effects of prednisolone include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• mood changes that can include low mood and having suicidal thoughts, or high moods (mania or hypomania) where you feel very happy, excited or energetic
• Cushing's syndrome – causing symptoms such as weight gain, a puffy face, muscle weakness, dizziness, excessive hair growth or hair loss
• adrenal insufficiency – causing symptoms such as vomiting, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood changes or feeling dizzy, faint or very tired
• an eye condition called central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) – causing symptoms such as blurred vision or a dark or grey spot in the middle of your vision

Who can and cannot take prednisolone

Most adults and children can take prednisolone.

But prednisolone is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction to prednisolone or another steroid medicine
• you have an infection that is not currently being treated
• you have heart failure or recently had a heart attack
• you have diabetes or a history of diabetes in your family
• you have epilepsy
• you have recently been in contact with someone with shingles, chickenpox or measles
• you've ever had problems with your mental health

Before taking prednisolone, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and prednisolone

Prednisolone can be taken while breastfeeding, but check with a doctor first.

If you're taking prednisolone while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and prednisolone

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant.

Prednisolone can be used during pregnancy if needed. It has occasionally been linked to problems in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and may affect your baby's growth.

Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while pregnant.

Find out more about taking prednisolone during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking prednisolone with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with prednisolone.

This includes some types of:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin
• antibiotics, such as erythromycin and rifampicin
• medicines to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin
• anticoagulants, such as warfarin

Before taking prednisolone, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with prednisolone

Do not eat real liquorice or foods that have liquorice in them as this can increase how much of the medicine is in your body and the risk of side effects.