Treats inflammation, arthritis, and many other medical problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.
Brand Names:
Orapred, Pediapred, Prelone, Cotolone
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have any fungal infections, such as candidiasis.
Uses:
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
If your schedule is one dose every other day and you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, use your dose then and skip a day before using another.
If you use your medicine one or more times every day and you miss a dose, use your medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next regular dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Storage:
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using barbiturates, such as pentobarbital (Nembutal®) or mephobarbital (Mebaral®).
While you are using this medicine, do not receive any vaccines or immunizations, unless directed by your doctor.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have bleeding problems, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypothyroidism (low thyroid), kidney disease, liver disease, mental or emotional disorders, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, or stomach, intestine, or colon problems.
Tell your doctor if you have Strongyloides (threadworm) infection, herpes simplex infection of the eye, or any other infections.
You may get infections more easily while being treated with this medicine. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick. Call your doctor at once if you develop fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles. If you have been exposed, call your doctor right away.
Your doctor may want to check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and not causing unwanted effects.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before stopping completely.
Tell any doctor, dentist, or other health care provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Blurred vision
Increased urination or thirst
Muscle weakness or cramps
Severe stomach pain
Unexplained fever, sore throat
Confusion, depression, or mood swings
Easy bruising, small purple spots on your skin
Fluid retention, weight gain, or swelling of arms, legs, hands, or feet
