Prednisolone is a corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory and allergy conditions as well as other diseases. Prednisolone requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Treats a wide range of inflammatory and auto-immune conditions
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Remedies swelling and itchy skin caused by allergies
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Reduces redness, itching, and allergic reactions affecting the eyes
How it works:
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid, which suppresses the inflammatory response to a variety of agents. Prednisolone can also be used as an immunosuppressive drug for organ transplants and in cases of adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
Cautions: Without first talking to your veterinarian, don’t give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving prednisolone. 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.
More Information:
Brand Name PrednisTab (Vet-A-Mix)
Generic Name Prednisolone
What is the most important information I should know about Prednisolone: Prednisolone is a prescription medication that is used in dogs and cats. Prednisolone is available as 5mg scored tablets. The usual dose is determined based on the condition being treated and the pet¿s response to treatment. Prednisolone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping. Prednisolone should be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.
What is Prednisolone: Prednisolone is a corticosteroid. Prednisolone reduces swelling and decreases a pet's ability to fight infections. Prednisolone is used to treat many different conditions. Prednisolone is used to treat endocrine disorders and arthritis. Prednisolone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Prednisolone to my pet: Do not give prednisolone to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Prednisolone weakens a 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 this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Prednisolone should be given with food. Store prednisolone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: 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 the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. A single large dose of prednisolone is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to occur due to large doses being taken over a period of time. Symptoms of overdose include weight gain, panting, increased thirst, hunger and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and Cushing's syndrome.
What should I avoid while giving Prednisolone to my pet: Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with your veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Prednisolone: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving prednisolone 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 prednisolone 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 occur rarely, usually with high doses of prednisolone include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, or behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Prednisolone: Do not give any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with prednisolone without first talking to your veterinarian. Many other medications can interact with prednisolone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about prednisolone written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Prednisolone is a prescription corticosteroid that is used in dogs and cats to treat various conditions such as Addison’s disease, inflammation from arthritis, allergies and certain autoimmune diseases.
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Prednisolone reduces swelling and decreases a pet’s ability to fight infections.
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Give Prednisolone with food to lessen stomach upset.
Tip: Prednisolone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
The usual dose is determined based on the condition being treated and the pets response to treatment. Prednisolone should be given with food. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink.
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
My cat has a serious lung problem. I couldn't find prenisolone locally the pharmacy said it was discontinued. I tried everywhere even the vet didn't have it. prednisone was not as effective and it started to have a negative effect on kitty. The vet said we had to have prednisolone because it has a better effect in cats. So thank you pet meds you helped my kitty get the proper meds when no one else could. .
I have two cats in my home and my American Longhair has had skin problems ever since she was a kitten. I just started buying these for her after the vet prescribed them for her skin and I must say, her skin is doing a lot better. Only downside from the med, is that my cat seemed to develop "cat acne" around her bottom lip but it's a small price to pay for the rest of her skin to be doing so good.
I'm sorry to hear about your pet. Prednisone is a very potent medication and not without a potential for side effects. To minimize the potential for these side effects, you need to exactly follow the directions for use your veterinarian gave you. If you don't remember these directions you should check with your veterinarian. Give the medication with food. Your veterinarian's may require having period blood tests to monitor kidney and liver health.
The brand of prednisolone that we carry is FDA approved for veterinary use only. However, this medication is also available for humans in a brand FDA approved for human use.
When taking prednisone, it's not unusual to have a step down dose such as you describe. As to drinking a lot of water, I guess your veterinarian wanted to make sure your pet was hydrated and to flush the kidneys.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.