Prednisone

What is Prednisone?

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).

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.

What is the most important information I should know about prednisone: Prednisone is a prescription medication that is used in dogs and cats. Prednisone is available as 1mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 50mg 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 is Prednisone: Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Prednisone reduces swelling and decreases the pet's ability to fight infections. Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions. Prednisone is used to treat endocrine disorders and arthritis. Prednisone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

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 the 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 the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Keep plenty of water available for the pet. Prednisone should be given with food. Store prednisone 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 prednisone 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 Prednisone to my pet: Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with the veterinarian.

What are the possible 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 occur rarely, 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 the animal.

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.

Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Prednisone written for health professionals that you may read.