Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a type of medicine known as corticosteroids. These hormones are produced naturally by the adrenal glands which have many functions including control of the inflammatory responses. Prednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation. Prednisolone works by acting within cells to prevent the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system.

These chemicals are normally involved in producing immune and allergic reactions, resulting in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in particular areas, inflammation is reduced. This can help control a wide number of disease states, characterised by excessive inflammation, they include severe allergic reactions, inflammation of the lungs from asthma and inflammation of the joints from arthritis. Prednisolone also decreases number of white blood cells in the blood. This, along with the decrease in inflammatory chemicals, can prevent the rejection of organ transplants, as it prevents the body from attacking foreign tissue.

Usually given to pets like cats and dogs, Prednisolone can be given orally or as an injection, and is used in much higher doses than the level of corticosteroids produced naturally by the body and because of this, the usual actions of corticosteroids become exaggerated and can be observed as side effects. Prednisolone has activity in the kidney which can lead to conservation of salt, creating excessive thirst and urination.

Prednisolone is usually used for several weeks or even months at a time. It is important that the dose be tapered to an every other day schedule once the condition is controlled. The reason for this is that the body will perceive these hormones and not make any of its own. Eventually, the adrenal glands will atrophy so that when the medication is discontinued, the patient will be unable to respond to any stressful situation, - and a circulatory crisis can occur. By using the medication every other day, the body’s own adrenal glands can remain active.

Glucocorticoid hormones should not be used in combination with medicines of the NSAID class (aspirin, phenylbutazone etc) as the combination of these medicines can lead to bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

Prednisolone is considered to be intermediate acting steroids, meaning that a dose can last for a day or so. The drug is not used on pregnant or diabetic animals as both cases could be life-threatening.

In cats and dogs, the usual dose is 2-4mg per kg a day. With a potency of 2mg/kg and an efficacy of 4mg/kg, the safety margin is 3mg/kg.

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