The main risks of long-term treatment are the suppression of the adrenal cortex and the induction of Cushing's syndrome with moon face, truncal obesity, acne, psychiatric disorders, menstruation disorders, osteoporosis, muscular atrophy and other myopathies. Additional problems are hypertension, edema, hyperglycemia, cataracts, glaucoma, aseptic bone necrosis, pancreatitis, delayed wound healing, sleep disturbances and nycturia. The leucocyte count increases, and eosinophils and lymphocytes decrease. Sometimes there is nausea; gastrointestinal bleeding, dermatrophy, cerebral pseudotumor, proteinuria may occur.

Even low-dose prednisolone therapy (e.g. 5 mg/day) can cause osteoporosis, but it is usually relatively well tolerated.

Prednisolone: Interactions

Enzyme inducers (aminoglutethimide, phenobarbital) reduce, and cyclosporin, ketoconazole and estrogens increase prednisolone activities.

Table of Contents | Indications | Pharmacology | Contraindications & Cautions | Risk Groups | References