Elpred 5mg Tablets

Elpred 5mg Tablets contain prednisolone, a synthetic corticosteroid. This medication is prescribed for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It is used to manage allergic reactions, including severe allergies and skin allergies, as well as chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma.

Prednisolone also plays a role in the management of autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Patients are advised to take this medication precisely as directed by a healthcare professional. It is crucial not to miss doses or discontinue treatment without medical consultation, as completing the full prescribed course is essential.

Prior to initiating treatment with Elpred, individuals should inform their doctor about their complete medical history, including any existing conditions, current medications, and if they are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Dosage

Overdose

In case you have taken more than the prescribed dose of Elpred, seek imediate medical help.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of Elpred Tablet take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Elpred contains prednisolone which is a man-made steroid. Steroids are hormones produced in the human body naturally that plays an important role in maintaining normal physiological function and well being of the human body.
• This medicine mimics the action of naturally produced steroids. It works by suppressing the immune response in allergies, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and during organ transplantation.

Directions for Use

• Elpred Tablet should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not cut, break, or chew the medicine.
• For optimal results, it is advisable to take the medication at a consistent time each day.
• Do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your healthcare professional.
• Do not discontinue this medicine independently.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Elpred Tablet during pregnancy?

There is limited information available on the safety of Elpred Tablet during pregnancy. A long term use may be associated with low birth weight and growth retardation in the baby. Consult your doctor for more information. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine seek immediate medical help.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Elpred Tablet while breastfeeding?

Prednisolone passes into breast milk in small amounts. Thus, the use of Elpred Tablet is not recommended in breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by a doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Elpred Tablet?

There is limited information available on effect of Elpred Tablet on driving abilities of an individual. However, if you experience dizziness, drowsiness and visual disturbance you should not drive or use machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Elpred Tablet?

Although there is no known interaction of Elpred Tablet with alcohol, one should limit their alcohol intake while taking steroids especially if the steroid is prescribed for long term treatment. Consult your doctor to know more and what works for you best.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You experience any skin allergies and rise in blood sugar levels or you are diabetic.
• You experience mood disturbances, fits and other psychiatric problems including suicidal thoughts.
• You experience visual disturbances and eye infections. Upon long term use, there is the probability that you may develop a cataract.
• You are elderly, 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, be very cautious.
• You have a history of muscle weakness due to steroid therapy or have a condition called myasthenia gravis.
• This medicine makes you more prone to infections, in case you already have an infection like fungal infection, or you have measles or chickenpox, you are taking medicines to suppress immune response discuss your condition with a doctor.
• This medicine may cause inflammation and swelling in different parts of your gut like the 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 prednisolone or steroids or any other ingredients of this medicine.
• If you have any other infection and are not taking any medication to treat it.
• If you are suffering from a viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes virus.

Side effects

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

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Elpred Tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• You should not receive any live vaccines while taking this medicine, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Antacids and certain antibiotics such as 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, such as phenobarbital or phenytoin.
• If you are taking antifungal medicines like amphotericin and ketoconazole, oral contraceptive medicines, antibiotics like troleandomycin and erythromycin, immunosuppressants like ciclosporin, methotrexate, you are more likely to experience side effects of any of these medicines.
• 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, water pill and medicine for hyperactive thyroid 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 treating asthma-like salbutamol may lead to an increase in potassium level in blood and you may experience irregular heartbeats.

Interactions with food items

Avoid having grapefruit juice along with Elpred.

Storage and disposal

• Store Elpred Tablet below 25°C.
• Keep it in the original packaging to protect it from absorbing moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.en

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I inform my healthcare provider before taking Elpred Tablet?

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 Elpred Tablet on my own?

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

Can taking Elpred Tablet lead to hair loss?

Hair loss is not a commonly known side-effect of Elpred Tablet. As every individual has a different physiological response, it is advised that you should consult your doctor if you are facing hair loss problem.

Can we take Elpred on an empty stomach?

You can take Elpred with or without food or as advised by your doctor. However, it should preferably be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.