From sci.med Thu Jul 6 12:19:07 1995 From: wfoent@aol.com (WFO Ent) Date: 5 Jul 1995 18:11:02 -0400 Newsgroups: sci.med Subject: Re: Prednisone In article , Paul Woods writes: >Prednisone PREDNISONE (DeltasoneŽ) is a type of medication, called steroid or corticosteroid, used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body. It is similar to the steroid hormones produced naturally by the adrenal gland. It reduces swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions, and may be used to treat severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, arthritis, or many other conditions as determined by your doctor. Prednisone is available as tablets and liquids to be taken by mouth. It is available only by prescription and is available generically. Considerations before beginning prednisone Other medical conditions Make sure that your doctor is aware of any other medical conditions you have because they can affect the safety and effectiveness of prednisone, and prednisone can worsen some medical conditions. Steroid medications should be used cautiously in patients with osteoporosis or other bone disease; colitis; diverticulitis; stomach problems; diabetes; fungal, viral, or bacterial infections; recent surgery or serious injury; tuberculosis; glaucoma; heart disease; high blood pressure; kidney disease; kidney stones; high cholesterol; liver disease; overactive or underactive thyroid; myasthenia gravis; or systemic lupus erythematosus. High dose or long-term use of prednisone may worsen bone disease by increasing calcium loss; worsen glaucoma by increasing the pressure in the eye; worsen heart and blood vessel disease by increasing blood cholesterol; worsen heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or kidney stones by causing the body to retain more salt and water; and cause increased weakness and trouble breathing in patients with myasthenia gravis. It may also cover up or worsen various stomach/intestional problems or infections, and slow healing or cause new infections in patients with fungal or viral infections, or a history of tuberculosis. Prednisone may be removed from the body more slowly in patients with liver disease or underactive thyroid; thus the effects and side effects may be exaggerated. People with systemic lupus erythematosus are also more likely to experience some side effects of this medication. Other medications Interactions between prednisone and other medications can affect the safety and effectiveness of either medication. This medication can potentially interact with many other medications. Do not take with any other prescription or nonprescription medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are currently taking any other medications. Aminoglutethimide, antacids, barbiturates, carbamazepine, grizeofulvin, mitotane, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, primidone, or rifampin may make prednisone less effective. Amphotericin B or some diuretics (water pills) taken with prednisolone may lead to low blood potassium. Low blood potassium can cause serious side effects, especially in patients taking digoxin or digitalis. Prednisone may increase blood sugar, and should be used with caution in patients taking medications to treat diabetes. Immunizations or vaccinations may be dangerous to patients taking long-term prednisone. Pregnancy or breast-feeding This medication should not be used in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Prednisone may cause birth defects or slow growth in children after birth. It passes into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing infants. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this medication. Allergies This medication should be used with caution in patients with allergies to corticosteroids. Diet If you will be taking this medication for a long time, you may need to avoid high-sodium foods. This medication can cause your body to retain salt and water. Too much salt may cause high blood pressure and water retention in the body. T