General Drug Information and Indications
Prednisone as well as prednisolone form part of the class of drugs known as corticosteroids. They are employed to control inflammation in various conditions in which the immune system plays an important role. The body produces cortisol, a natural corticosteroid, within the adrenal gland. Prednisone’s anti-inflammatory properties and prednisolone can be four times stronger than the effects of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone.
Prednisone’s most common uses and prednisolone comprise the treatment and treatment of diseases of the immune system like hemolytic anemia, lupus or thrombocytopenia; numerous neurological disorders of the central nervous system; certain kinds of cancer; skin disorders; allergic reactions like itching and hives and orthopedic disorders and hormonal disorders like Addison’s Disease; respiratory illness like asthma; inflammation of the bowel and a myriad of other conditions. Consult your veterinarian regarding the reason why your dog is taking the medicine.
Cats may require greater doses than dogs to obtain a clinical response however, cat owners are much less likely to experience adverse negative side effects. Like other medications used in the field of veterinary medicine, this one isn’t FDA authorized for usage on animals and isn’t available through an animal pharmaceutical company. In its place, the drug is made by a specialist pharmacy. Prednisone and Prednisolone are frequently employed in veterinary medicine and are generally accepted practices.
How to Use This Medication
Do this to your pet as the veterinarian has prescribed. If you do not give your pet the dose of prednisone or prednisolone, administer each dose as quickly as you can remember it or, when it’s near the next dose scheduled you can return to the normal schedule. Do not give a second dose to make up for a lost time.
Prednisone and prednisolone can be administered orally along with food to decrease the possibility to experience stomach irritation. If it is given every day for dogs, it’s recommended to do so at the beginning of the day. If given each day for cats, it’s recommended to give it at night, since this is most in line with the animal’s normal hormone cycles.
Prednisone and prednisolone used as an emergency treatment and in treatments for autoimmune diseases are greater than the doses prescribed for other conditions.
Wash your hands following the administration of your pet the medication.
Side Effects
Make sure you discuss any potential side effects with your physician immediately. Prednisone and prednisolone will not result in serious side effects. Because these medications affect almost every system in your body, they can produce a range of negative effects. The greater the dosage and the longer it is administered, the higher the likelihood of adverse consequences. The short-term use of prednisone and prednisolone will not cause adverse side effects. The most frequent adverse effects for dogs are an increase in thirst, urination, and appetite. Since medications like prednisone and prednisolone can suppress the body’s immune response, pets could be more susceptible to infection. Consult your veterinarian in the event that your pet displays symptoms of fever or infection.
Other adverse side effects that could be experienced, particularly with long-term use, include Cushing’s disease. It could manifest as dry hair coat hair loss, hair loss, or the appearance of a stomach. Certain animals might be aggressive when taking the medications prednisone and prednisolone While cats tend to have fewer adverse reactions than dogs, they can experience increased thirst, more frequent urination, weight gain, increased appetite, GI problems, and behaviors that can be seen occasionally. In the event that your cat has diabetes and taking insulin, the dose might need to be adjusted.
Precautions
Make sure that all medications are away from children. Prednisone and prednisolone can be prescribed and should be taken according to the instructions of your vet and only to the animal that was recommended. Don’t give this medication to any person. Don’t stop treating your pet with prednisone Prednisolone suddenly, particularly in the case of large doses or has been taking the medication for a long time. This could have severe, and even fatal, consequences. The dosage must be reduced. Your physician will guide you on how to gradually reduce the dosage. Prednisone reduces immunity. Animals who are taking prednisone or prednisolone might be more vulnerable to viral or bacterial infections. Prednisone and prednisolone may also disguise signs of infection, like an increase in temperature.
The immune response following vaccinations can be decreased in animals who are taking prednisone and/or prednisolone. Prednisone and Prednisolone aren’t typically used for patients suffering from chronic fungal infections. The treatment for Addison’s disease could be considered to be an exception. Prednisone has to be converted into prednisolone within the liver. Animals suffering from liver failure must be treated with prednisolone instead of prednisone. Prednisone and prednisolone are best taken off or used with caution in the early stages of animals, due to immune suppression and the possibility of GI ulcers. Avoid it during lactation and pregnancy unless the benefits are greater than the risk.
Drug Interactions
It is important to discuss with your vet any medications, as well as supplements your pet, might be taking. Drugs that could cause interactions with prednisone and/or prednisolone are aspirin, other salicylates, phenytoin and rifampin, and phenobarbital cyclosporine mitotane and erythromycin anticholinesterase medicines such as neostigmine, amphotericin B, pyridostigmine or diuretics such as furosemide.
The possibility of stomach ulcers could be increased when prednisone or prednisolone is taken simultaneously time with other drugs that are prone to cause ulcers, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). The levels of potassium and digitalis should be monitored closely when taking prednisone in addition to prednisolone. Prednisone and prednisolone can raise insulin requirements in diabetic animals.
Storage
Different dosages or strengths of prednisolone and/or prednisone could have different storage needs. Check the label or consult your doctor to clarify the storage requirements for the prescription you are given.
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