Prednisone Dosage
Prednisone comes in various drug formulations. It can be taken orally as a tablet or as an oral solution. It can also be administered intravenously or intramuscularly as an injectable solution. Prednisone can also be added as an active component in some drug formulations that include nasal spray, inhalers, ointments, eye drops and ointments, etc.
Basically, prednisone is used to correct symptoms of corticosteroid deficiency. It is also very beneficial in the management of inflammation especially in conditions that are affected by the immune system. In some cases, the doctor prescribes prednisone as a supplement to antibiotic therapy in the treatment of various health conditions.
What is the starting dose for prednisone?
The prednisone dosage depends on several factors that include the following: the medical diagnosis, the severity of the condition, patient’s age and body requirements, medications taken concurrently, and medical history of the patient.
For Adults: The starting dose for adults usually range from 5 mg to 60 mg a day, then adjusted depending on your response to the treatment. The doctor will then taper down the dose to the lowest possible amount.
For Children: Pediatric prednisone dosage depends on the illness that is being treated and patient’s response to the treatment. The prednisone dose is also computed based on the patient’s weight and age.
Prednisone Dosages in Adults for Common Conditions
Asthma - 10mg every 12 hours
Anti-inflammatory - Up to 60mg per day in doses of up to 4 times/day. Your doctor will prescribe or taper a dosage suited to you.
What to remember when taking prednisone?
Since prednisone is a highly potent drug, it requires prescription of a physician and must never be taken without the advice of a healthcare provider. As always, never self-medicate nor adjust the dosage without the instruction of your physician.
Usually, this drug is prescribed only for a limited period of time (less than two weeks) to avoid dependence to the drug as well as the long-term adverse effects of prednisone. The patient requires close medical supervision throughout the treatment duration. Regular consultation and laboratory work may be recommended to check the patient’s progress into the treatment. Prednisone dosage may need to be adjusted every now and then, based on the laboratory results and patient’s overall condition. As much as possible, the physician recommends the lowest possible dosage.
Never abruptly discontinue taking prednisone without the recommendation of your physician. The healthcare provider will wean you from prednisone by slowly lowering the dosage until your adrenal cortex can produce adequate hormones naturally.
For the treatment regimen to be effective, it must be taken as prescribed. As much as possible, prednisone should be taken at the same time of the day maintain desired drug levels. Before starting with the medication ask your doctor what to do in case you missed out a dose. Taking double dose is never advised.
