subject: Prednisone For Lupus, Colitis And Arthritis [print this page] What is Prednisone? What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, converted by the liver into the active drug prednisolone. Prednisone decreases the immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms. Arthur Nobile and coworkers from Schering-Plough Corporation carried out the first commercially feasible synthesis of prednisone in the 1950s and introduced it under the brand name Meticorten in the next decade. Lodotra is the trade name of an oral formulation which releases prednisone four hours after application. The drug was approved in the European Union in January 2009.
Prescription and use of Prednisone
Prednisone ceases inflammation by preventing the release of substances in the body causing it. The drug reduces swelling and is prescribed for several inflammatory conditions such as allergies, asthma and skin conditions (ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, asthma, leukemia), autoimmune disorders (psoriasis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia). Prednisone is also an antitumor drug however it is known to have significant adverse effects. By suppressing the immune response prednisone prevents the rejection of transplanted organs. The drug is taken orally as prescribed by a doctor. Intravenous application is also possible for treatment of cerebral inflammations (multiple sclerosis). The drug can also be give as an intramuscular shot, inhaled and rectally.
Precautions
Prednisone doses should be carefully adjusted by the doctor and special tests have to be carried out in cases of liver, kidney and eye diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental illness, pregnant and breast-feeding women. Unless directed by a doctor, the patients should not have any vaccinations, immunizations or skin tests since prednisone could cause serious complication (most commonly infections).
Potential side effects
The use of prednisone has many side effects. The drug might cause excessive thirst and urination due to the salt deposition in the kidneys. Suppressed immune responses could worsen later infections. Among the major side effects of prednisone are also: stomach irritations, severe swellings, weight gain, migraines, confusion, weakness and anxiety. If
