#Drug

Prednisolone

evan April 9, 2024

Drug Class	Corticosteroid
Mechanism	Inhibits phospholipase A2 activity - arachidonic acid production Arachidonic acid - precursor for prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis - anti-inflammatory effect B and T lymphocyte response to antigens - immunosuppressive effect
Typical Dose	40mg (for asthma exacerbation)
Indications	Suppression of allergic inflammatory disorders IBD Asthma Rheumatoid disease Immunosuppression (leukaemia, transplant)
Contra-indications	Systemic infection, hypersensitivity, osteoporosis, glaucoma, admin of live vaccines Caution in recent MI and pregnancy
Side-effects	Common: bruising, hirsutism, moon-face, HTN, weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance Rare: neutrophilia (more here)
Interactions	Phenytoin: ↓ effect of prednisolone Rifampicin: ↓ effect of prednisolone
Elimination
Additional Notes	Should be withdrawn slowly after long-term treatment due to risk of acute adrenal crisis.