Prednisone Tablets

Prednisone Tablets is a glucocorticoid drug that is effective against a variety of conditions. The tablets contain anti-inflammatory properties, as well as help suppress the immune system, stops itching, treat certain types of cancer, anemia, Addison's Disease and many more.

• Prednisone Tablets affect nearly every cell in the body to treat a variety of conditions
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties
• Also suppresses the immune system, stops itching, treats certain types of cancer, anemia, Addison's Disease and more

How it works: Prednisone is a corticosteroid, which suppresses the inflammatory response to a variety of agents. Prednisone can also be used as an immunosuppressive drug for organ transplants and in cases of adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).

Dogs and Cats: Prednisone is used for a wide variety of conditions in both dogs and cats. It may be used in emergency situations including, anaphylactic reactions, spinal chord trauma, and many forms of shock. It is used in the management and treatment of immune-mediated disease such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or thrombocytopenia: many CNS disorders: some neoplasia: dermatologic diseases: allergic reactions such as asthma, hives, and itching: inflammatory orthopedic diseases: endocrine disorders including Addison's: respiratory disease with an inflammatory component, inflammatory bowel diseases and many other conditions. Cats may require higher doses than dogs to achieve a clinical response, but they are less likely to develop adverse side effects.

View Prednisone Drug Facts Sheet.

Horses: Prednisone is given systemically to decrease inflammatory and immune responses. For years it was used orally to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other allergic or immune-mediated disorders. Recent studies show that horses do not absorb oral prednisone, but they do absorb oral prednisolone. Other corticosteroids are preferred for intra-articular use.

2.5 mg per 10 lb (4.5 kg) body weight per day. Average total daily oral doses for dogs are as follows:
5 to 20 lb (2 to 9 kg) body weight	1.25 to 5 mg
20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg) body weight	5 to 10 mg
40 to 80 lb (18 to 36 kg) body weight	10 to 20 mg
80 to 160 lb (36 to 73 kg) body weight	20 to 40 mg
The total daily dose should be given in divided doses, 6 to 10 hours apart.

Side Effects: Systemic side effects to corticosteroids are generally dependent on dose and duration of treatment. Short-term use of prednisone is unlikely to cause adverse effects. Adverse effects are more common in animals on immunosuppressive doses. Side effects seen in dogs include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, poor hair coat, GI disturbance, diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, GI ulceration, pancreatitis, lipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, and possible behavioral changes. Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia may be seen in dogs even on short-term therapy. Although cats are less likely to develop side effects than dogs, occasionally polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight gain, GI disturbances, and behavioral changes occur. Corticosteroids can cause or worsen gastric ulcers.

Precautions: Chronic or inappropriate use of corticosteroids can cause life-threatening hormonal and metabolic changes. Adverse effects due to corticosteroid treatment usually occur with long-term administration of the drug, especially when high doses are used. Alternate day therapy with short-acting preparations is preferred. Animals who have received long-term therapy should be withdrawn slowly by tapering the dosage and prolonging the interval between doses. Corticosteroids suppress the immune response. Animals receiving systemic corticosteroids may be more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. Systemic corticosteroids can mask signs of infection, such as an elevated temperature. Systemic corticosteroids are contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections. (The treatment of Addison's disease may be considered an exception.) Animals in hepatic failure should receive prednisolone rather than prednisone. Corticosteroids should be avoided or used very carefully in young animals both because of immune suppression and the risk of GI ulcers. Corticosteroids have been implicated as a cause of laminitis in horses and ponies. Corticosteroids should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Large doses in early pregnancy may be teratogenic. Corticosteroids can induce labor in cattle and have been used to terminate a pregnancy in dogs.

Cautions

Without first talking to your veterinarian, don't give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving Prednisone. There are possible side effects, including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and fatigue. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or any other medical conditions. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What is the most important thing I should know about Prednisone: Prednisone is a prescription medication that is used in dogs and cats. Prednisone is available as 1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg scored tablets. The usual dose for dogs and cats is determined based on the condition being treated and the pet's response to treatment. Prednisone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping. Prednisone should be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Prednisone to my pet? Do not give Prednisone to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Prednisone weakens the pet's immune response and its ability to fight infections. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other medical conditions. Also, tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should Prednisone be given? Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions, ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Prednisone should be given with food.

What are the potential side effects of Prednisone? If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Prednisone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), increased blood pressure or sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Prednisone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences insomnia, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control or increased hunger or thirst. Other side effects that rarely occur, usually with high doses of Prednisone include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Prednisone? If you give one dose daily, give the missed dose as soon as remembered. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and give only the regular daily dose. If you give more than one dose daily, either give the missed dose as soon as remembered or give two doses the next dose time. If you give one dose every other day, give the missed dose as soon as remembered, then go back to the regular every other day schedule.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Prednisone? Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

What should I avoid while giving Prednisone to my pet? Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with the veterinarian.

What other drugs will affect Prednisone? Do not give any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with Prednisone without first talking to your veterinarian. Many other medications can interact with Prednisone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.