Prednisolone is a strong anti-inflammatory agent prescribed to treat endocrine disorders. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference 2010," prednisolone (Millipred) is supplied as round, scored, peach-colored tablets available in 5 mg strength. Dosage is delivered on a maintenance schedule. The proper maintenance dose is determined by gradually decreasing the initial dose to the smallest dose that produces clinical improvement. Report any of these side effects to your physician,
Cardiac Side Effects
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance affects the amount of sodium retained by the system and can increase the volume of blood pumped by your heart. For cardiac challenged patients, this could lead to congestive heart failure. Other disturbances are high blood pressure, loss of potassium, slow or rapid heart rates, irregular heart rhythms, fainting, tightening in the chest and cardiac arrest.
Skin Side Effects
Dry scalp, increased or decreased skin pigmentation, acne, allergic dermatitis, wounds that do not heal, bruises, thin and fragile skin, increased sweating, rash, stretch marks, hives and thinning scalp hair can all result from taking prednisolone.
Eye Side Effects
Bulging eyes, blurred or decreased vision, burning, discharge or other eye pain should be reported to your physician.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Behavior and mood changes, confusion, headache, nausea and vomiting, convulsions, emotional instability, severe depression, clumsiness, increased appetite, weight gain, inability to sleep or difficulty staying asleep and dizziness can develop as prednisolone side effects.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Abdominal discomfort or indigestion is a common side effect and is why each dose should be taken with food. Abdominal distention, hiccups, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer and ulcerative inflammation of the esophagus can occur.
Endocrine Side Effects
Abnormal fat deposits, increased abnormal hair growth, menstrual irregularities or the complete absence of menstrual periods, growth suppression in children, symptoms of diabetes mellitus, increased insulin requirements for diabetics and decreased carbohydrate tolerance can be associated with prednisolone. A side effect observed with higher doses is a moon-shaped face resembling the round face of Cushing's Syndrome. This can be accompanied by fatty tissue deposits behind the shoulder blades giving the appearance of a hump.
Gastro-Urinary
Conservation of salt in the kidney can create activity leading to symptoms of increased thirst and passing of urine. Report black, tarry bowel movements as well.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Joint, muscle or tendon pain should be reported immediately. Osteoporosis, a condition occurring when your bones thin can lead to an increased side effect risk of bone fractures during long-term prednisolone treatment.
References
- "Physicians' Desk Reference 2010"; Thomson Reuters Publisher; 2009
- "Complete Prednisolone Information"
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