Prednisolone/Prednisone

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Prednisolone/prednisone is a corticosteroid. This type of medication is used to relieve inflamed areas, decrease swelling, redness, itching, allergic reactions and for supportive care during periods of stress. This medication may be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your veterinarian.

How do I give this medication?

"Do not stop giving this medication suddenly, especially if your pet has been on it for a long time."

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  Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Give this medication after meals or with food.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
• Do not stop giving this medication suddenly, especially if your pet has been on it for a long time. Contact your veterinarian before you stop giving this medication.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

• The following side effects have been reported: excessive thirst, excessive appetite, excessive urination, dull or dry haircoat, weight gain, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, muscle wasting, depression, lethargy, behavioral changes such as irritability. If symptoms persist or appear troublesome, contact your veterinarian.
• This medication suppresses the immune system; therefore, your pet may be at increased risk for infection. Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops a fever or if it shows signs of frequent or painful urination.
• If your pet is diabetic, prednisolone/prednisone may cause changes to your pet's insulin requirements.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe several different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following drugs can potentially interact with prednisolone/prednisone: amphotericin B, potassium depleting diuretics, digitalis glycosides, salicylates, insulin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide, mitotane, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anticholinesterase agents.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

REMEMBER!  READ THE LABEL.