section name header

Pronunciation

pred-NISS-oh-lone

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids (intermediate-acting), immune modifiers

Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids

Indications

REMS


Action

  • In pharmacologic doses, suppresses inflammation and the normal immune response.
  • Suppresses adrenal function at chronic doses of 5 mg/day.
  • Has minimal mineralocorticoid activity.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Suppression of inflammation and modification of the normal immune response.
  • Replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized mostly by the liver.

Half-Life: 2.1–3.5 hr (plasma), 18–36 hr (tissue); adrenal suppression lasts 1.25–1.5 days.

Time/Action Profile

(anti-inflammatory activity)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown1–2 hr1.25–1.5 days



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Adverse reactions/side effects are much more common with high-dose/long-term therapy

CV: hypertension

Derm: acne, wound healing, ecchymoses, hirsutism, petechiae

EENT: cataracts, intraocular pressure

Endo: adrenal suppression, cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), hyperglycemia

F and E: fluid retention (long-term high doses), hypokalemia, hypokalemic alkalosis

GI: anorexia, nausea, PEPTIC ULCERATION, vomiting

Hemat: THROMBOEMBOLISM, thrombophlebitis

Metab: weight gain, weight loss

MS: muscle wasting, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of joints, muscle pain

Neuro: depression, euphoria, headache, intracranial pressure (children only), personality changes, psychoses, restlessness

Misc: INFECTION, KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Orapred ODT, Pediapred, Prelone

Code

NDC Code