(PRED-ni-sone, pred-NIS-oh-lone, meth-il-pred-NIS-oh-lone)

Prednisone, prednisolone and methylprednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, Deltasone, Orapred, Medrol) are oral steroids used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the bronchi, which are the airways of the lungs.

This medication is also used to treat skin disorders, arthritis, allergic reactions, and to prevent transplant rejection. Prednisone and prednisolone may be taken in a tablet or liquid form. Methylprednisolone is available as a tablet.

Special Instructions

• Dosage varies with each child and can only be prescribed by your child's doctor.
• It is very important that your child takes this medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor and that doses are not missed.
• Talk with your child's doctor about side effects and proper dosing schedule if your child will be taking steroids for more than one to two weeks.
• Never give your child steroids without first talking to your child's doctor.
• Never stop giving your child steroids without asking your child's doctor.
• Take this medication with food to decrease stomach upset.
• If your child is going to have surgery, or other stressful situations while on steroids, talk to your child's doctor.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package.
• Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
• If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at 513-636-5111, or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.

If Your Child Misses a Dose

For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.

Possible Side Effects of Medication

• Increased hunger
• Moodiness / mood swings
• Increased blood sugar
• Infection: sore throat, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Decreased bone growth
• Increased weight gain
• Stomach ulcers

Call Your Child's Doctor If:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
• Vomiting of blood
• Dizziness

Call your child's doctor if any of the following are severe or continue sore throat, fever, stomach pain, skin rash, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs to watch for are swelling of feet, tiredness, appetite changes, weight gain, puffy face, mood changes, increased thirst, blurred vision, menstrual problems, or slow healing of sores.