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What is considered a high dose of Prednisone?
Key takeaways:
– Treat multiple inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (asthma)
– Suppresses inflammation i.e. swelling
– Helps improve the respiratory function
– Makes breathing easier for patients suffering from asthma
– Topical prednisone can well be administered as ear drops
– Conjunctivitis can be treated with Prednisone eye drops
– Also prescribed for pets as directed by the veterinarian
Prednisone is a steroid hormone approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mainly used to treat a few allergies. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug and it helps treating inflammation. There are other benefits of Prednisone; some include treating autoimmune and blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, inflammatory forms of arthritis, setting right electrolyte imbalances and some forms of cancers.
There are several benefits of prednisone; it reduces swelling (inflammation) and calms down your immune system. It combats anxiety as well, and controls any mood-swings. The drug alters your hormone levels and stress levels temporarily thereby providing needful relief. It is recommended for adults as well as children, and is administered orally.
What is considered a high dose of Prednisone?
Too much of anything is bad and this applies to prescribed drugs like Prednisone as well. Dose of Prednisone depends on the type of your condition. The dosage plan is as per the suggestion of your doctor. A dosage level of above 40 mg per day is considered high but this can go up to 60 mg in some cases. Several studies state that it is either for a short-term or long-term; there is no standard period recommended for its use.
On the other hand, National Institutes of Health (NHS) does not recommend using Prednisone constantly at 40 mg/per day throughout. This might show severe negative effects in patients. Also, other researches and expert-opinions do not recommend its regular use, to be on the safer side.
Intake of a high dose can lead to adverse effects. Some may encounter adrenal insufficiency. It can also lead to emotional disturbances, causing aggression. There can also be increased risks of infection and gastrointestinal conditions. You may see an increase in appetite level, nausea, abnormal weight gain, and malaise. For some, it could also lead to neurological and dermatological issues. The case is no better for people consuming it at low doses; you may encounter health-related issues even at lesser dosage strengths.
There are also instances where a dosage of more than 60 mg is given through IV for a shorter period; but this is offered only after proper evaluation and medical consultation. Consumption over long-term is not recommended as it may have negative effects in your health. Prednisone is only available through proper prescription and are not issued as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
Is 20mg of Prednisone a low dose?
A dose of 5 – 60 mg per day is considered a starting dose. A low dose is anywhere less than 7.5 mg per day. A moderate dose ranges between 7.5 mg and 40 mg per day. Some patients may develop adverse effects even at lower doses of Prednisone. Adverse effects may also include risks of heart attack, variations in blood pressure, inexplicable weight gain, osteoporosis, etc. However, there are several patients who are administered Prednisone – as a daily dosage – at dosages as low as 5 mg per day.
Understanding the drug’s composition helps caregivers create an optimally balanced dosage plan. Doctors gradually reduce dosage strengths from a higher to a lower value, over a period of several weeks to avoid any adverse effects in patients. It should not to be stopped immediately as it may cause severe aftereffects.
How long does Prednisone stay in your system?
Prednisone stays up to a period of 16.5 to 22 hours after you have taken your dose. Half-life period of this med is 1 – 3 hours. It usually takes 5.5 to 6 cycles of half-lives to flush this med out of your body. It might take a few days for the medicinal effect to completely leave your system.
Here are some of the best and most-recommended alternatives or drug substitutes for Prednisone. They are:
- Azathioprine
- Methotrexate
- Mercaptopurine
- Mycophenolate
- Leflunomide, and
- Dexamethasone
Who should not take it?
Firstly, there are several parameters to look at in a patient’s health while administering Prednisone. Dosages depend mainly on your age, your health condition, presence of prior ailments like thyroid disease(s) and those recovering from intestinal or stomach-related issues. People with such prior health problems are advised not to take Prednisone.
Doctors do not prescribe Prednisone to pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, as it may lead to severe health complications. Also, when a patient is prescribed with a high dose of Prednisone, doctors strictly advise them to avoid getting vaccinated. Moreover, people with a past-history of cardiac problems or have encountered a recent heart attack and those with high blood pressure or living with diabetes may need to avoid using Prednisone. You need to tell your doctor of allergic reactions / hypersensitivity to this drug.
Does intake of Prednisone cause Insomnia or sleep apnea?
Yes, Prednisone may cause disturbances to sleeping patterns. Few studies have stated that nearly 60% of users reported of major sleep-specific disorders. They have repeatedly encountered disturbances while sleeping or only had intermittent sleep. It is likely to trigger anxieties when you are sleep-deprived.
Precautionary measures needed while taking Prednisone
Doctors often recommend periodic blood tests when they prescribe Prednisone for a longer period of time. This helps doctors monitor variations in blood sugar and to keep a tab on your cholesterol levels as well as bone mineral density (BMD). Also, care is taken to check your eyesight – for any adverse effects – if you are administered with Prednisone for a fairly longer time span.
It is always advised to knock at your doctor’s door as a regular follow-up to check your overall wellbeing when you are using Prednisone.
URLs:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601102.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534809/
Mike is a licensed pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in community pharmacy management. He is dedicated to helping people understand their medications and improve their overall health. Mike enjoys reading medical journals and sharing practical health tips. Connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest in pharmacy practices."
Key takeaways:
– Treat multiple inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (asthma)
– Suppresses inflammation i.e. swelling
– Helps improve the respiratory function
– Makes breathing easier for patients suffering from asthma
– Topical prednisone can well be administered as ear drops
– Conjunctivitis can be treated with Prednisone eye drops
– Also prescribed for pets as directed by the veterinarian
Prednisone is a steroid hormone approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mainly used to treat a few allergies. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug and it helps treating inflammation. There are other benefits of Prednisone; some include treating autoimmune and blood disorders, skin diseases, infections, inflammatory forms of arthritis, setting right electrolyte imbalances and some forms of cancers.
There are several benefits of prednisone; it reduces swelling (inflammation) and calms down your immune system. It combats anxiety as well, and controls any mood-swings. The drug alters your hormone levels and stress levels temporarily thereby providing needful relief. It is recommended for adults as well as children, and is administered orally.
What is considered a high dose of Prednisone?
Too much of anything is bad and this applies to prescribed drugs like Prednisone as well. Dose of Prednisone depends on the type of your condition. The dosage plan is as per the suggestion of your doctor. A dosage level of above 40 mg per day is considered high but this can go up to 60 mg in some cases. Several studies state that it is either for a short-term or long-term; there is no standard period recommended for its use.
On the other hand, National Institutes of Health (NHS) does not recommend using Prednisone constantly at 40 mg/per day throughout. This might show severe negative effects in patients. Also, other researches and expert-opinions do not recommend its regular use, to be on the safer side.
Intake of a high dose can lead to adverse effects. Some may encounter adrenal insufficiency. It can also lead to emotional disturbances, causing aggression. There can also be increased risks of infection and gastrointestinal conditions. You may see an increase in appetite level, nausea, abnormal weight gain, and malaise. For some, it could also lead to neurological and dermatological issues. The case is no better for people consuming it at low doses; you may encounter health-related issues even at lesser dosage strengths.
There are also instances where a dosage of more than 60 mg is given through IV for a shorter period; but this is offered only after proper evaluation and medical consultation. Consumption over long-term is not recommended as it may have negative effects in your health. Prednisone is only available through proper prescription and are not issued as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
Is 20mg of Prednisone a low dose?
A dose of 5 – 60 mg per day is considered a starting dose. A low dose is anywhere less than 7.5 mg per day. A moderate dose ranges between 7.5 mg and 40 mg per day. Some patients may develop adverse effects even at lower doses of Prednisone. Adverse effects may also include risks of heart attack, variations in blood pressure, inexplicable weight gain, osteoporosis, etc. However, there are several patients who are administered Prednisone – as a daily dosage – at dosages as low as 5 mg per day.
Understanding the drug’s composition helps caregivers create an optimally balanced dosage plan. Doctors gradually reduce dosage strengths from a higher to a lower value, over a period of several weeks to avoid any adverse effects in patients. It should not to be stopped immediately as it may cause severe aftereffects.
How long does Prednisone stay in your system?
Prednisone stays up to a period of 16.5 to 22 hours after you have taken your dose. Half-life period of this med is 1 – 3 hours. It usually takes 5.5 to 6 cycles of half-lives to flush this med out of your body. It might take a few days for the medicinal effect to completely leave your system.
Here are some of the best and most-recommended alternatives or drug substitutes for Prednisone. They are:
- Azathioprine
- Methotrexate
- Mercaptopurine
- Mycophenolate
- Leflunomide, and
- Dexamethasone
Who should not take it?
Firstly, there are several parameters to look at in a patient’s health while administering Prednisone. Dosages depend mainly on your age, your health condition, presence of prior ailments like thyroid disease(s) and those recovering from intestinal or stomach-related issues. People with such prior health problems are advised not to take Prednisone.
Doctors do not prescribe Prednisone to pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, as it may lead to severe health complications. Also, when a patient is prescribed with a high dose of Prednisone, doctors strictly advise them to avoid getting vaccinated. Moreover, people with a past-history of cardiac problems or have encountered a recent heart attack and those with high blood pressure or living with diabetes may need to avoid using Prednisone. You need to tell your doctor of allergic reactions / hypersensitivity to this drug.
Does intake of Prednisone cause Insomnia or sleep apnea?
Yes, Prednisone may cause disturbances to sleeping patterns. Few studies have stated that nearly 60% of users reported of major sleep-specific disorders. They have repeatedly encountered disturbances while sleeping or only had intermittent sleep. It is likely to trigger anxieties when you are sleep-deprived.
Precautionary measures needed while taking Prednisone
Doctors often recommend periodic blood tests when they prescribe Prednisone for a longer period of time. This helps doctors monitor variations in blood sugar and to keep a tab on your cholesterol levels as well as bone mineral density (BMD). Also, care is taken to check your eyesight – for any adverse effects – if you are administered with Prednisone for a fairly longer time span.
It is always advised to knock at your doctor’s door as a regular follow-up to check your overall wellbeing when you are using Prednisone.
URLs:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601102.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534809/
Mike is a licensed pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in community pharmacy management. He is dedicated to helping people understand their medications and improve their overall health. Mike enjoys reading medical journals and sharing practical health tips. Connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest in pharmacy practices."
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