The pharmaceutical steroid prednisone is used to treat a variety of medical conditions.If you've been diagnosed with an inflammatory condition, your doctor may prescribe a medication.It's important to follow your specific prescription because of the different dosages of prednisone.If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor.
Step 1: Your doctor will want a detailed medical history from you.
When you are examined by your doctor, they will ask you questions about your medical history.It's important to let the doctor know if you've recently had or been diagnosed with a disease that weakens your immune system.
Step 2: The doctor has instructions.
Discuss how to take the medication with the doctor after you've been diagnosed with your condition.The doctor may start you on a higher dose of the drug.It is possible that you will need to take prednisone several times throughout the day.When it's prescribed to treat a temporary condition, it is usually taken for 5 days with different dosages each day.If you're taking prednisone long-term to treat a chronic condition, your doctor will likely start you at a higher dose to get your condition under control.They'll lower your dose for maintenance.If you experience stress from an illness, your doctor may need to change the dose.When you're recovering from an illness, they may lower the dose.If the condition they're treating with prednisone gets worse, they may increase your dosage.
Step 3: If your doctor prescribed the tablets, you should swallow them.
The medication is slowly released in your stomach.It's best to avoid crushing, chewing, or cutting the tablets before swallowing them.It is possible to take just one or several tablets throughout the day.
Step 4: If your doctor prescribes the syrup, measure the solution.
Pour the prescribed amount into the measuring cup or spoon that came with the medication.If you have a prescription, take the drug multiple times throughout the day.If the medication doesn't come with a measuring cup or spoon, ask the pharmacy for one.
Step 5: Take the drug before or after eating.
Although they are usually coated to make them easier to swallow, you shouldn't take them on an empty stomach.It's a good idea to eat before or after you take the prednisone to reduce irritation.
Step 6: Common side effects are discussed.
The bigger the dose, the more likely you are to experience side effects.Thin skin, increased facial hair, and redistribution of body fat are some of the things you might notice.Changes in weight or skin thickness are the most common side effects of long-term use.If you're not allergic to the drug, you won't have any major side effects if you use it as a short-term treatment.Some people have problems after being on the drug.
Step 7: If you have ever been diagnosed with diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes and aren't on a diabetes medication, be aware that it can be difficult to keep your medication effective.If you have diabetes, you may need to increase your medication dosages.
Step 8: If you have an allergic reaction, you should look for skin or breathing changes.
If you notice the signs of a reaction, it's probably not an allergic reaction.It will happen when you start taking it, such as within your first few doses.If you think you're having an allergic reaction, contact your doctor and tell them you have at least 1 of the following symptoms.
Step 9: If you have a lot of side effects, you should get immediate medical attention.
It's rare, but it can cause extreme stomach pain, bloody or black stools, extreme depression, behavioral changes, and vision problems.Get emergency medical attention if you experience any of these side effects.
Step 10: If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to talk to your doctor.
Studies show that the risk of birth defects is highest in the first few weeks of the baby's life, and that taking prednisone during this time can cause low birth weight.If you become pregnant while taking prednisone, please let your doctor know.If you're breastfeeding, you should avoid taking prednisone because it's transferred to breast milk.You may be put on the lowest dose if your doctor believes that you need it.The doctor might have you wait 4 hours after taking the medication to feed your baby.Talk to your doctor if this isn't necessary.
Step 11: If you get a disease, talk to your doctor.
It's important to tell your doctor if you have a disease.prednisone may weaken your immune system and make it harder to fight infections, so they may not prescribe it.If you need to avoid taking prednisone, your doctor will tell you.If you're taking a low dose of prednisone, this may not be a problem.It's best to talk to your doctor.You should tell your doctor if you develop a fungal infection after you start taking prednisone.They may advise you to stop taking the drug.
Step 12: When you remember, take a missed dose.
Don't double up on the medication if you forget to take 1 of your daily doses.As soon as possible, take the regular amount.Just take the upcoming dose without doubling up if you remember, it's almost time to take another scheduled dose.Don't stop taking it completely.The doctor will gradually reduce the amount of medication you take.
Step 13: Poison control can be reached if you overdose.
Call the poison help line if you have taken more than the recommended amount.If you experience convulsions, elevated blood pressure, or a heart attack, this is important.
Step 14: You shouldn't drink alcohol while you're taking prednisone.
Doctors don't recommend drinking while taking medication because they affect people differently.It's possible that alcohol and prednisone increase your risk of bleeding.