Prednisone is basically a corticosteroid medication utilized in managing a variety of medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis, allergies, psoriasis and arthritis. This medication helps minimize inflammation and help ease the pain, swelling and redness. An individual can initially take 5-60 mg of prednisone on a daily basis and the doctor will adjust the dosage based on the severity of the symptoms. If you want to learn more about this medication, click here.
Usual side effects
The usual side effects of prednisone include heartburn, headache as well as difficulty sleeping, acne and hair growth. This medication can also affect the state of mind of the individual as well as cause severe euphoria, personality changes and changes in the mood.
The other symptoms can include changes in the distribution of fat, dizziness, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, menstrual irregularities, diaphoresis and bruising. Take note that these side effects are relatively harmless but a doctor must be consulted if these symptoms do not subside within three days. The doctor might recommend an alternative or change the dosage.
Dangerous side effects
It is important to note that taking prednisone can cause visual problems, rapid weight gain, breathing difficulty, blood-streaked stools and swelling. It can also cause hemoptysis, depression, convulsions and even hypokalemia. The indications of hypokalemia include arrhythmia, muscle weakness, frequent urination, thirst, leg pain and confusion.
Prednisone can also cause pancreatitis which is a condition where the pancreas is swollen. The indications of pancreatitis include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and tachycardia. Oftentimes, prednisone can instigate hypertension and lead to excruciating headaches, chest pain, tinnitus, arrhythmia, confusion and seizures. Other significant side effects to note include itching, hives, swelling, stomach pain, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Other possible side effects
The other side effects that can also occur include vertebral compression fractures, fluid retention, glaucoma and facial redness. Prednisone can cause stunted growth in children as well as exophthalmos and cataracts.
Important considerations to bear in mind
The individual should avoid using prednisone if he/she is allergic to its components. There is the possibility of developing hives, difficulty breathing as well as swelling of the throat, face and tongue.
It is not advisable to receive the small pox vaccine while receiving prednisone treatment. Take note that this combination can eventually lead to neurological problems.
If the individual is suffering from hypothyroidism or cirrhosis, it is important to use prednisone with care. Remember that these conditions can increase the level of prednisone present in the bloodstream. The use of prednisone while having ocular herpes can lead to a tear in the cornea.
Using prednisone while having ulcerative colitis will put the individual at risk for diverticulitis, osteoporosis as well as peptic ulcer and kidney issues. It is best to consult a doctor if other medications are being taken such as warfarin, aspirin and fluconazole. These medications can interact with prednisone and can cause the side effects.