Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml

Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml contains Prednisolone. It is a corticosteroid which belongs to a class of steroid medicines.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are not known. However, you must seek immediate medical assistance in case you have taken too much of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Prednisolone is a naturally occurring steroid. Steroids are hormones produced in the human body and responsible for normal body functions. It acts by suppressing the immune response in allergies, inflammation and during organ transplantation. It can also delay the progress of leukaemia (Blood cancer) and is critical in the maintenance of normal body functions during stress.

Directions for Use

• Take this medicine as instructed by your doctor
• Shake well before use
• Use a measuring cup, spoon or a droper for the exact quantity
• Do not stop taking this medicine on your own

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml during pregnancy?

It may increase the risk of growth retardation in fetus. Cases of cataracts also have been observed in babies born to mothers taking steroids for long term. Thus, it should be taken when the doctor recommends after assessing the benefits of this medicine to pregnant women outweighs the risks to the unborn baby. A pregnant woman who develops blood pressure or fluid retention problem during pregnancy needs to be monitored closely.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml while breastfeeding?

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Thus, the use of this medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by the doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml?

It has no influence on your driving ability.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml?

Although there is no known interaction with alcohol, it is important to consult your doctor if you drink alcohol too often.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• This medicine makes you more prone for infections, in case you already have an infection like a fungal infection or measles or chickenpox, you are taking medicines to suppress immune response discuss your condition with a doctor
• If you experience any skin allergies and rise in blood sugar levels or you have diabetes
• If you experience mood disturbances, fits and other psychiatric problems, including suicidal thoughts
• If you experience visual disturbances and eye infections, upon long term use, there is the probability that you may develop a cataract
• If you are an older person, you have a heart problem, high blood pressure and cholesterol, blood clotting problems, liver and kidney diseases
• It can impair the fertility of an individual, so be very cautious
• If you have a history of muscle weakness due to steroid therapy or have a condition called myasthenia gravis
• This medicine may cause inflammation and swelling in different parts of your gut like stomach, pancreas and can also cause ulcers
• Children and adolescents receiving steroids should be observed for growth abnormalities as steroids can retard the growth

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this medicine or steroids or any other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have any other infection and you are not taking any medicine to treat that infection
• If you are suffering from a viral infection of the eye caused by herpes virus

Side effects

• Irritation
• Feeling angry
• Mood swings
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Weight gain
• Infections
• Bloating
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• It would be best if you did not take any live vaccine while taking this medicine as it can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine
• Antacids and antibiotics Rifamycin and Erythromycin can reduce the effectiveness of this medicine
• You may require a higher dose of this medicine if you are taking medicines to treat fits like Phenobarbital and Phenytoin
• If you are taking medicines antifungal medicines like Amphotericin and Ketoconazole, oral contraceptive medicines like Ethinyl estradiol and Norethindrone, antibiotics like Troleandomycin and Erythromycin, immunosuppressants like Ciclosporin, Methotrexate you are more likely to experience side effects of either of the medicine
• There is an increased risk of stomach bleeding if you are taking painkillers or aspirin along with this medicine
• You should be cautious you are taking any anti-diabetic medicine like insulin, medicines to stop blood clotting, a water pill and thyroid medicine such as Carbimazole and Thiamazole, medicines for heart failure like Digoxin
• Somatropin a growth hormone if taken along can inhibit its growth in an individual
• Other medicines for treat asthma-like Salbutamol may lead to an increase in potassium level in blood and you may experience irregular heartbeats

Interactions with food items

• Grapefruit Juice

Storage and disposal

• Store below 25°C and use within 3 months
• Store it in original packing to protect it from light
• Keep out of the reach of children

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I inform my healthcare provider before taking Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml

It is important to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical/surgical history, especially if you have any diseases like bleeding anomalies, fungal infections, kidney ailments or liver diseases.

Can I stop taking this medicine on my own?

No, steroids therapy should not be stopped as it can lead to psychological problems. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose before completely withdrawing this therapy.

Can I take the vaccine if I am on this medicine?

Elpred 5mg Solution 60ml can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor before doing so.

Is the medicine safe for children?

It should only be given to children if it is prescribed by the doctor and in the exact dose as prescribed under adult supervision.