Pediapred

The dose of Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate solution for children varies widely according to the condition and age of the child being treated. The starting dose is usually between 5 mg and 60 mg per day. Your doctor will adjust the dose depending on how well the medication works for you or your child and how well it is tolerated. If the condition being treated does not improve or becomes worse after a few days, call your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

If the medication is to be given once daily, it is best to give it in the morning. Take Pediapred (Prednisolone) with food to avoid stomach upset.

Do not stop using Pediapred (Prednisolone) without first checking with your doctor. If Pediapred (Prednisolone) has been taken for a long period of time, it may be necessary to gradually reduce the dose to avoid withdrawal effects or a return of the symptoms that were being treated.

It is important to take Pediapred (Prednisolone) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Pediapred (Prednisolone) at room temperature, and do not refrigerate. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may increase your appetite; it may cause unwanted hair growth; it may cause indigestion; it may cause sleep disturbances or insomnia; it may cause nervousness or anxiety; it could cause water retention and swelling. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each 5 mL of dye-free, colourless-to-light-straw-coloured, raspberry-flavoured solution contains 5 mg of Pediapred (Prednisolone) base (as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate USP). Nonmedicinal ingredients: disodium edetate, raspberry flavour, methylparaben, purified water, sodium phosphate, and sorbitol.

Do not take Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate if you:

• are allergic to Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate or any ingredients of the medication
• have an untreated systemic fungal infection
• have chicken pox, Measles, or an uncontrolled, active infection

There may be an interaction between Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (Asa)
• Aldesleukin
• androgens (e.g., methyltestosterone, nandrolone, testosterone)
• antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
• Apalutamide
• Aprepitant
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
• Calcitriol
• Carbamazepine
• Celecoxib
• Cholestyramine
• clarithromycin
• Cobicistat
• Colestipol
• conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• Deferasirox
• delavirdine
• Denosumab
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• Diltiazem
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• Donepezil
• echinacea
• Enzalutamide
• estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, Estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
• Fingolimod
• Galantamine
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir)
• hyaluronidase
• Indacaterol
• isoniazid
• Leflunomide
• Methimazole
• mifepristone
• Mitotane
• Natalizumab
• Nivolumab
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Diclofenac)
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Pimecrolimus
• primidone
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rivastigmine
• Roflumilast
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• vaccines
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Pediapred (Prednisolone). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pediapred (Prednisolone).

Blood pressure: Like other corticosteroids, Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate can cause fluid retention, leading to an increase in blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to push the increased volume through the blood vessels.

If you have high blood pressure, or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: Corticosteroids such as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Pediapred (Prednisolone).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Eye problems: Corticosteroids such as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate may cause the pressure in the eyes to increase, or cause Glaucoma to worsen. It may also cause Cataracts. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report changes in your vision to your doctor as soon as possible.

Hormone balance: When taken for a long period of time (more than 2 weeks), corticosteroids such as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate cause a decrease in the amount of corticosteroid hormone that the body naturally produces. This can cause a number of side effects that are associated with long-term use of corticosteroids, including filling or rounding out of the face; weight gain; fluid retention; and swelling of the legs, feet, and hands.

The decrease in corticosteroid production is also the cause of the withdrawal symptoms that occur when Pediapred (Prednisolone) is stopped abruptly. If you have been taking Pediapred (Prednisolone) for a long period of time, do not stop taking the medication suddenly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to stop Pediapred (Prednisolone).

Infections: Corticosteroids can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may hide signs of infection that are developing. Tell your doctor if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles while using Pediapred (Prednisolone), as these illnesses can be more serious and possible fatal for people who are using corticosteroids. If you experience signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Kidney function: The kidneys help to remove Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate from the body. When kidney function is decreased, there is an increased risk of experiencing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: When the liver is not working well, the effect of corticosteroids on the body is increased and may cause increased side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Mood changes and mental health: People taking corticosteroids, including Pediapred (Prednisolone), may experience mood swings or personality changes. In severe cases, depression may occur, as may psychosis. People who have mental health concerns are more likely to experience worsening symptoms when they use corticosteroids. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually overexcited or uninhibited), or unusual thoughts, or notice them in a family member who is taking Pediapred (Prednisolone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Osteoporosis: Pediapred (Prednisolone) can increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Talk to your doctor about ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will monitor your bone density if you take Pediapred (Prednisolone) for a long period of time.

Stopping medication: Do not stop Pediapred (Prednisolone) without consulting your doctor. When Pediapred (Prednisolone) is stopped after having taken it for a prolonged period, the dose should be reduced slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Suddenly stopping Prednisone following prolonged treatment may result in symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, muscle and joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Thyroid function: When the thyroid gland is not working well, the effect of corticosteroids on the body is increased and may cause increased side effects. If you have reduced thyroid function (Hypothyroidism), discuss with your doctor how Pediapred (Prednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pediapred (Prednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vaccinations: Vaccinations given while Pediapred (Prednisolone) is being taken may not provide the anticipated protection from illness. This is due to the action corticosteroids have in reducing the activity of the immune system. Additionally, it is not clear whether vaccinations contribute to nervous system problems when they are given at the same time as Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate.

Generally, it is not recommended to receive vaccinations while you are using corticosteroids. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Pregnancy: Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate passes through the placenta during pregnancy and may affect the unborn baby. Pediapred (Prednisolone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pediapred (Prednisolone), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Pediapred (Prednisolone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pediapred (Prednisolone) sodium phosphate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Since Pediapred (Prednisolone) can slow the growth and development of infants and children, it should not be taken for prolonged periods of time if at all possible. Growth and development will be closely monitored by your child's doctor.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, a treatment with this medication lasts several days. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. To ensure exact dosage, measure each dose with an accurate device, such as an oral dosing syringe. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food.