Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral solution

What is this medicine?

PREDNISOLONE (pred NISS oh lone) is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes

• fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal

• frequent passing of urine

• increased thirst

• mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self importance or of being mistreated

• pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs

• swelling of feet or lower legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• confusion, excitement, restlessness

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• mifepristone

• radiopaque contrast agents

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin

• phenobarbital

• phenytoin

• rifampin

• vaccines

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it a soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, talk to your doctor or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take an extra dose. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store Pediapred at room temperature between 4 and 25 degrees C (39 and 77 degrees F). Store Orapred in the refrigerator at 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing's syndrome

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart problems or disease

• high blood pressure

• infection such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mental problems

• myasthenia gravis

• osteoporosis

• seizures

• stomach ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis

• thyroid problem

• an unusual or allergic reaction to lactose, prednisolone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

The medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.