Pediapred

Generic name: Prednisolone sodium phosphate

What is Pediapred?

Pediapred, a steroid drug, is used to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in a variety of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, acute gouty arthritis, and severe cases of asthma. It may be given to people to treat primary or secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency (lack of or insufficient adrenal cortical hormone in the body). It is also given to help treat the following disorders:

Blood disorders such as leukemia and various anemias,Certain cancers (along with other drugs),Connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus,Digestive tract diseases such as ulcerative colitis,Eye diseases of various kinds,Fluid retention due to nephrotic syndrome (a condition in which damage to the kidneys causes a loss of protein in the urine),High blood levels of calcium associated with cancer,Lung diseases such as tuberculosis,Severe allergic conditions such as drug-induced allergic reactions,Severe skin eruptions

Studies have shown that high doses of Pediapred are effective in controlling severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis, although they do not affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease.

What is the most important information I should know about Pediapred?

Pediapred decreases your resistance to infection. It may also mask some of the signs and symptoms of an infection, which makes it difficult for a doctor to diagnose the actual problem.

If you are taking Pediapred and are subjected to unusual stress, notify your doctor. The drug reduces the function of your adrenal glands, and they may be unable to cope. Your doctor may therefore increase your dosage of this rapidly acting steroid before, during, and after the stressful situation.

Prolonged use of steroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts (a disorder under the envelope-like structure at the back of the eye that causes the lens to become less transparent) or the eye disease glaucoma, and may intensify additional eye infections due to fungi or viruses.

Average and high doses of this medication may cause an increase in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and an increased loss of potassium. Your doctor may have you decrease your salt intake and increase your potassium intake.

The effects of Pediapred may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or long-term liver disease.

If you have ocular herpes simplex (painful blisters of the eye), you should be careful using this drug because of the possibility of corneal perforation (puncture of the outer, transparent part of the eye).

The use of Pediapred may cause mood swings, feelings of elation, insomnia, personality changes, severe depression, or even severe mental disorders.

If you are being treated for a blood clotting factor deficiency, use aspirin with caution when taking Pediapred. Do not use this drug for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.

If you should develop a fever or other signs of infection while taking Pediapred, notify your doctor immediately.

Who should not take Pediapred?

This drug should not be used for fungal infections within the body. Avoid it if it gives you an allergic reaction.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Pediapred?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history. Your doctor will prescribe this medication very cautiously if you have any of the following: ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon and rectum) where there is a possibility of a puncture, abscess, or other infection; diverticulitis (inflammation of a sac formed at weak points of the colon); recent intestinal anastomoses (a surgical connection between two separate parts of the colon); active or inactive peptic (stomach) ulcers; unsatisfactory kidney function; high blood pressure; osteoporosis (brittle bones that may fracture); and myasthenia gravis (a long-term disease characterized by abnormal fatigue and weakness of certain muscles).

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The starting dosage of Pediapred may vary from 5 milliliters to 60 milliliters, depending on the specific disease being treated.

Your doctor will adjust the dose until the results are satisfactory. If your condition does not improve after a reasonable period of time, the doctor may switch you to another medication.

Once you've shown a favorable response, your doctor will gradually decrease the dosage to the minimum that maintains the effect.

If you stop taking Pediapred after long-term therapy, your doctor will have you withdraw slowly, rather than abruptly.

For acute flare-ups of multiple sclerosis, the usual dose is 200 milligrams per day of Pediapred for 1 week followed by 80 milligrams every other day or 4 to 8 milligrams of dexamethasone every other day for 1 month.

Children: The starting dosage ranges from 0.14 to 2 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 3 or 4 smaller doses. For asthma, the recommended dosage is 1 to 2 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, taken in a single or several smaller doses.

How should I take Pediapred?

Pediapred may cause stomach upset and should be taken with food. Take this medication exactly as prescribed.

What should I avoid while taking Pediapred?

Do not discontinue the use of Pediapred abruptly or without medical supervision.

You should not be vaccinated against smallpox while being treated with Pediapred. Avoid other immunizations as well, especially if you are taking Pediapred in high doses, because of the possible hazards of nervous system complications and a lack of natural immune response.

Because Pediapred reduces resistance to infection, people who have never had measles or chickenpox—or been vaccinated against them—should be careful to avoid exposure. These diseases can be severe, or even fatal, in people with lowered resistance. Likewise, an ordinary case of threadworm or other intestinal parasites can grow into a grave emergency when the immune system is weak. Symptoms of threadworm include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect an infection, call your doctor immediately.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Pediapred?

If Pediapred is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pediapred with the following: amphotericin B, aspirin, barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital, cyclosporine, diabetes drugs such as glipizide, ephedrine, estrogens, isoniazid, ketoconazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, rifampin, warfarin, and diuretics.

What are the possible side effects of Pediapred?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: allergic reactions, headache, hot flashes, increased appetite, nausea/stomach upset, rash, stomach/intestinal pain, sweating, swelling, tiredness

Can I receive Pediapred if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Pediapred during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this drug is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pediapred?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Pediapred?

Store Pediapred in a cool place, and keep the bottle tightly closed. This medication may be refrigerated.