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Prelone
Classes
Ophthalmological Corticosteroids
Systemic Corticosteroids, Plain
Administration
Administer prednisolone with food to minimize indigestion or GI irritation.
If oral dose is given once daily or every other day, administer in the morning to coincide with the body's normal cortisol secretion.
Orally disintegrating tablets (Orapred ODT)
Do not to remove the tablet from the blister until just prior to dosing.
Place ODT tablet in mouth on tongue. The ODT tablets may be swallowed whole or allow to dissolve, with or without the assistance of water.
Orally disintegrating tablets are friable, and are not intended to be cut, split or broken. Do not break tablets or use partial or broken tablets.
Oral solution or syrup
Administer using a calibrated measuring device to measure the dose.
NOTE: Injectable formulas for prednisolone are no longer available in the U.S.
Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
Prednisolone sodium phosphate is administered intra-articularly, intramuscularly or intravenously.
Prednisolone acetate is for intra-articular or intramuscular (IM) use only; NEVER administer intravenously.
Apply topically to the eye. For ophthalmic use only.
For ophthalmic suspensions, shake well prior to each administration.
Instruct patient on appropriate instillation technique.
Do not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to the eye, fingertips, or other surface.
To prevent contamination, each dropper is for one individual, do not share among patients.
Recommended to store eye dropper in an upright position.
Adverse Reactions
avascular necrosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
tendon rupture / Delayed / Incidence not known
bone fractures / Delayed / Incidence not known
heart failure / Delayed / Incidence not known
seizures / Delayed / Incidence not known
skin atrophy / Delayed / Incidence not known
angioedema / Rapid / Incidence not known
lupus-like symptoms / Delayed / Incidence not known
anaphylactoid reactions / Rapid / Incidence not known
visual impairment / Early / Incidence not known
optic neuritis / Delayed / Incidence not known
keratitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
keratoconjunctivitis / Early / Incidence not known
ocular hypertension / Delayed / Incidence not known
retinopathy / Delayed / Incidence not known
GI perforation / Delayed / Incidence not known
esophageal ulceration / Delayed / Incidence not known
GI bleeding / Delayed / Incidence not known
pancreatitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
peptic ulcer / Delayed / Incidence not known
increased intracranial pressure / Early / Incidence not known
exfoliative dermatitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
papilledema / Delayed / Incidence not known
thrombosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
stroke / Early / Incidence not known
cardiac arrest / Early / Incidence not known
myocardial infarction / Delayed / Incidence not known
bradycardia / Rapid / Incidence not known
vasculitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
cardiomyopathy / Delayed / Incidence not known
thromboembolism / Delayed / Incidence not known
arrhythmia exacerbation / Early / Incidence not known
pulmonary edema / Early / Incidence not known
hyperglycemia / Delayed / 10.0
impaired wound healing / Delayed / Incidence not known
growth inhibition / Delayed / Incidence not known
osteoporosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
osteopenia / Delayed / Incidence not known
myopathy / Delayed / Incidence not known
neutropenia / Delayed / Incidence not known
immunosuppression / Delayed / Incidence not known
candidiasis / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypertension / Early / Incidence not known
hypokalemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
metabolic alkalosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypocalcemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
sodium retention / Delayed / Incidence not known
edema / Delayed / Incidence not known
fluid retention / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypernatremia / Delayed / Incidence not known
impaired cognition / Early / Incidence not known
psychosis / Early / Incidence not known
peripheral neuropathy / Delayed / Incidence not known
neuritis / Delayed / Incidence not known
EEG changes / Delayed / Incidence not known
delirium / Early / Incidence not known
hallucinations / Early / Incidence not known
mania / Early / Incidence not known
memory impairment / Delayed / Incidence not known
amnesia / Delayed / Incidence not known
euphoria / Early / Incidence not known
depression / Delayed / Incidence not known
erythema / Early / Incidence not known
exophthalmos / Delayed / Incidence not known
blurred vision / Early / Incidence not known
conjunctivitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
conjunctival hyperemia / Early / Incidence not known
cataracts / Delayed / Incidence not known
ocular infection / Delayed / Incidence not known
Cushing's syndrome / Delayed / Incidence not known
diabetes mellitus / Delayed / Incidence not known
glycosuria / Early / Incidence not known
constipation / Delayed / Incidence not known
gastritis / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression / Delayed / Incidence not known
physiological dependence / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypotension / Rapid / Incidence not known
withdrawal / Early / Incidence not known
adrenocortical insufficiency / Delayed / Incidence not known
pseudotumor cerebri / Delayed / Incidence not known
phlebitis / Rapid / Incidence not known
angina / Early / Incidence not known
sinus tachycardia / Rapid / Incidence not known
palpitations / Early / Incidence not known
hypercholesterolemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
anemia / Delayed / Incidence not known
glossitis / Early / Incidence not known
hepatomegaly / Delayed / Incidence not known
elevated hepatic enzymes / Delayed / Incidence not known
arthralgia / Delayed / Incidence not known
myalgia / Early / Incidence not known
weakness / Early / Incidence not known
leukocytosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
infection / Delayed / Incidence not known
restlessness / Early / Incidence not known
anxiety / Delayed / Incidence not known
malaise / Early / Incidence not known
insomnia / Early / Incidence not known
emotional lability / Early / Incidence not known
irritability / Delayed / Incidence not known
vertigo / Early / Incidence not known
paresthesias / Delayed / Incidence not known
headache / Early / Incidence not known
diaphoresis / Early / Incidence not known
rash / Early / Incidence not known
petechiae / Delayed / Incidence not known
perineal pain / Early / Incidence not known
acne vulgaris / Delayed / Incidence not known
alopecia / Delayed / Incidence not known
hirsutism / Delayed / Incidence not known
ecchymosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
telangiectasia / Delayed / Incidence not known
xerosis / Delayed / Incidence not known
purpura / Delayed / Incidence not known
acneiform rash / Delayed / Incidence not known
urticaria / Rapid / Incidence not known
striae / Delayed / Incidence not known
pruritus / Rapid / Incidence not known
ocular pruritus / Rapid / Incidence not known
ocular irritation / Rapid / Incidence not known
ocular pain / Early / Incidence not known
foreign body sensation / Rapid / Incidence not known
menstrual irregularity / Delayed / Incidence not known
appetite stimulation / Delayed / Incidence not known
anorexia / Delayed / Incidence not known
diarrhea / Early / Incidence not known
weight gain / Delayed / Incidence not known
dysgeusia / Early / Incidence not known
abdominal pain / Early / Incidence not known
weight loss / Delayed / Incidence not known
vomiting / Early / Incidence not known
nausea / Early / Incidence not known
lethargy / Early / Incidence not known
fever / Early / Incidence not known
syncope / Early / Incidence not known
dizziness / Early / Incidence not known
Common Brand Names
AK-Pred, AsmalPred, Econopred Plus, Inflamase Forte, Millipred, Millipred DP, Millipred DP 12-Day, Millipred DP 6 Day, Ocu-Pred A, Ocu-Pred Forte, Omnipred, Orapred, Orapred ODT, Pediapred, Pred Mild, Pred-Forte, Pred-Phosphate, Prednoral, Prelone, Veripred-20
Dea Class
Rx
Description
Oral and ophthalmic glucocorticoid with very little mineralocorticoid activity; active metabolite of prednisone
Used in many conditions in adult and pediatric patients, including asthma, COPD, SLE, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, and many other allergic, dermatologic, ocular, and systemic inflammatory states
If long-term therapy required, the lowest possible effective dose should be used
Dosage And Indications
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the severity of the disease and patient response. NOTE: Hydrocortisone or cortisone are the agents of choice. Because prednisolone has no mineralocorticoid properties, concomitant therapy with a mineralocorticoid is required.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the severity of the disease and patient response. NOTE: Hydrocortisone or cortisone are the agents of choice. Because prednisolone has no mineralocorticoid properties, concomitant therapy with a mineralocorticoid is required.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. Dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease, and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 to 4 divided doses. Dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. Dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 to 4 divided doses. Dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response
5 to 60 mg PO once daily, initially. Lower doses are generally sufficient for situations of less severity, while in selected persons higher initial doses may be required. Continue or adjust the initial dosage until a satisfactory response is noted. After a favorable response is noted, determine the maintenance dose by decreasing the dose in small decrements at appropriate intervals until the lowest dose which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. If discontinuing after long-term therapy, withdraw the drug gradually rather than abruptly. In a study of early rheumatoid arthritis, 7.5 mg PO once daily was shown to prevent joint destruction compared to placebo over a period of 2 years.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO in 3 to 4 divided doses. Lower doses are generally sufficient for situations of less severity, while in selected persons higher initial doses may be required. Continue or adjust the initial dosage until a satisfactory response is noted. After a favorable response is noted, determine the maintenance dose by decreasing the dose in small decrements at appropriate intervals until the lowest dose which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. If discontinuing after long-term therapy, withdraw the drug gradually rather than abruptly.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO, as a single dose or in divided doses.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO per day, given in 3 to 4 divided doses. Individualize dosage to patients condition and treatment response.
40 to 80 mg/day PO in 1 to 2 divided doses for 5 to 10 days.
40 to 80 mg/day PO in 1 to 2 divided doses for 3 to 10 days. Usual Max: 60 mg/day. Max: 80 mg/day.[33558] [64934]
1 to 2 mg/kg/day (Max: 40 mg/dose) PO in 1 to 2 divided doses for 3 to 10 days.[33558] [64934]
1 to 2 mg/kg/day (Max: 30 mg/dose) PO in 1 to 2 divided doses for 3 to 10 days.[33558] [64934]
1 to 2 mg/kg/day (Max: 20 mg/dose) PO in 1 to 2 divided doses for 3 to 10 days.[33558] [64934]
7.5 to 60 mg PO once daily or every other day as needed for symptom control. Use the lowest effective dose; alternate day therapy may produce less adrenal suppression. Consider add-on low dose oral corticosteroids (7.5 mg/day or less of prednisone equivalent) only for those with poor symptom control and/or frequent exacerbation despite good inhaler technique and treatment adherence. Add corticosteroids only after exclusion of other contributory factors and consideration of other add-on treatments.
7.5 to 60 mg PO once daily or every other day as needed for symptom control. Use the lowest effective dose; alternate day therapy may produce less adrenal suppression. In pediatric patients, the use of oral corticosteroids is usually limited to a few weeks until asthma control is improved and the patient can be stabilized on other, preferred treatments.
0.25 to 2 mg/kg/dose (Usual Max: 40 mg/dose) PO once daily or every other day as needed for symptom control. Use the lowest effective dose; alternate day therapy may produce less adrenal suppression. In pediatric patients, the use of oral corticosteroids is usually limited to a few weeks until asthma control is improved and the patient can be stabilized on other, preferred treatments.
0.25 to 2 mg/kg/dose (Usual Max: 30 mg/dose) PO once daily or every other day as needed for symptom control. Use the lowest effective dose; alternate day therapy may produce less adrenal suppression. In pediatric patients, the use of oral corticosteroids is usually limited to a few weeks until asthma control is improved and the patient can be stabilized on other, preferred treatments.
0.25 to 2 mg/kg/dose (Usual Max: 20 mg/dose) PO once daily or every other day as needed for symptom control. Use the lowest effective dose; alternate day therapy may produce less adrenal suppression. In pediatric patients, the use of oral corticosteroids is usually limited to a few weeks until asthma control is improved and the patient can be stabilized on other, preferred treatments.
40 mg PO once daily for 5 days is the most commonly recommended regimen. A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial confirmed that this shorter duration of low dose steroids produces a similar outcome to using the same dose for a longer duration (i.e., 14 days). The use of systemic steroids for no more than 5 to 7 days is recommended by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines to shorten recovery time, improve lung function (FEV-1), improve oxygenation, and reduce the risk of early relapse, treatment failure, and the length of hospitalization.
5 mg to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. Adjust according to patient response. Because of the potential complications of steroid use, steroids should be used selectively and in the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration as possible.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO given in 3 to 4 divided doses. Adjust according to patient response. Because of the potential complications of steroid use, steroids should be used selectively and in the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration as possible.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses; individualize dosage to patient response. Renal transplant guidelines recommend corticosteroids for the initial treatment of acute rejection. For initial prophylaxis, a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) such as tacrolimus and an antiproliferative agent such as mycophenolate plus or minus corticosteroids are recommended. In patients at low immunologic risk who receive induction therapy, corticosteroid discontinuation during first week after transplantation is suggested. Some evidence exists that steroids may be safely stopped in most patients after 3 to 12 months on combination therapy with a CNI and mycophenolate. Data suggest that the risk of steroid withdrawal depends on the use of concomitant immunosuppressives, immunological risk, ethnicity, and time after transplantation.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 to 4 divided doses; individualize dosage to patient response. Renal transplant guidelines recommend corticosteroids for the initial treatment of acute rejection. For initial prophylaxis, a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) such as tacrolimus and an antiproliferative agent such as mycophenolate plus or minus corticosteroids are recommended. In patients at low immunologic risk who receive induction therapy, corticosteroid discontinuation during first week after transplantation is suggested. Some evidence exists that steroids may be safely stopped in most patients after 3 to 12 months on combination therapy with a CNI and mycophenolate. Data suggest that the risk of steroid withdrawal depends on the use of concomitant immunosuppressives, immunological risk, ethnicity, and time after transplantation.
200 mg/day PO for one week, followed by 80 mg PO given on alternate days for one month has been shown to be effective.
40 mg/day to 80 mg/day PO until urine is protein-free, then slowly taper as indicated. Some patients may require long-term treatment. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
2 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/m2/day (Maximum: 80 mg/day) PO, given in 3 divided doses, until urine is protein-free for 3 consecutive days (Maximum: 28 days). Then 1 to 1.5 mg/kg PO every other day or 40 mg/m2 PO every other day for 4 weeks. If needed, the long-term maintenance dose is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg PO every other day for 3 to 6 months. Specialized pediatric nephrologist care is recommended at disease onset, especially for infants and adolescents. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
5 to 60 mg/day PO day initially, depending on the specific disease entity and the severity of the condition being treated. Use lowest effective dose. Corticosteroids are not indicated as initial treatment for anaphylaxis, but can be given as adjunctive therapy after the administration of epinephrine.
1 to 2 mg/kg/day PO (Max: 60 mg/day) in 1 to 4 divided doses for acute control. Treatment duration dependent on specific allergic/hypersensitivity condition, but is usually 2 to 3 weeks. May follow with subsequent treatment with 1 to 2 mg/kg/day (Max: 60 mg/day) PO in 1 to 4 divided doses for 1 to 2 weeks until symptomatic control, then conversion to alternate-day treatment of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day, with tapering by no more than 5 to 10 mg per month. Usual FDA-approved dose range: 5 to 60 mg/day PO, given as a single dose or in divided doses or weight-based dosing of 0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO in 1 to 4 divided doses. Corticosteroids are not indicated as initial treatment for anaphylaxis, but can be given as adjunctive therapy after the administration of epinephrine.
Usual range: 5 to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. Use the lowest effective dose (usually less than 7.5 mg/day, per guidelines). Guidelines for psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis recommend short-term use (avoid long-term use) of systemic corticosteroids for acute relief of symptoms/flares with caution; local corticosteroid injections are often preferable for oligoarthritis, dactylitis or in enthesitis. [62838] [63834] [63884]
2.67 mg/kg/day PO with a taper over 6 to 8 weeks. Guidelines recommend as adjunct therapy for meningitis. Routine use outside of CNS involvement is not recommended; however, select patients may benefit.
2 to 4 mg/kg/day PO for 4 to 6 weeks, then taper over 2 to 4 weeks. Guidelines recommend as adjunct therapy for meningitis. Routine use outside of CNS involvement is not recommended; however, select patients may benefit.
40 mg PO once daily in persons with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (Maddrey discriminant function [MDF] of 32 or more; model for end-stage liver disease [MELD] score more than 20) to improve 28-day mortality.
0.5 mg/kg/day PO for 1 to 2 weeks, then on alternate days for 6 to 8 weeks before tapering by 5 to 10 mg PO every 2 weeks or alternatively, a prolonged course of 0.75 mg/kg/day PO for 6 weeks, then 0.5 mg/kg/day PO for 6 weeks, then tapered by 5 mg PO every 6 weeks. Use serum IgE levels to guide tapering. Steroids are often used in patients that also have asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis.
0.5 mg/kg/day PO for 1 to 2 weeks, then on alternate days for 6 to 8 weeks before tapering by 5 to 10 mg PO every 2 weeks or alternatively, a prolonged course of 0.75 mg/kg/day PO for 6 weeks, then 0.5 mg/kg/day PO for 6 weeks, then tapered by 5 mg PO every 6 weeks. Use serum IgE levels to guide tapering. Steroids are often used in patients that also have asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis.
30 to 40 mg PO once daily, initially. The FDA-approved initial dosage is 5 to 60 mg/day PO, depending on the disease being treated. Lower doses are generally sufficient for situations of less severity, while in selected persons higher initial doses may be required. Continue or adjust the initial dosage until a satisfactory response is noted. After a favorable response is noted, determine the maintenance dose by decreasing the dose in small decrements at appropriate intervals until the lowest dose which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. If discontinuing after long-term therapy, withdraw the drug gradually rather than abruptly.
1 or 2 drops into affected eye(s) every hour while awake, and every 2 hours at night. When a favorable response is observed, reduce dosage to 1 drop every 4 hours. Thereafter, 1 drop given 3 to 4 times daily may suffice to control symptoms. The dosage and duration of treatment will vary with the condition treated and may extend from a few days to several weeks, according to therapeutic response. Relapses, more common in chronic active lesions than in self-limited conditions, usually respond to retreatment. In chronic conditions, withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.
Safety and efficacy have not been established. However, pediatric patients commonly receive dosing as in product labels: 1 or 2 drops into affected eye(s) every hour while awake, and every 2 hours at night. When a favorable response is observed, reduce dosage to 1 drop every 4 hours. Thereafter, 1 drop given 3 to 4 times daily may suffice to control symptoms. The dosage and duration of treatment will vary with the condition treated and may extend from a few days to several weeks, according to therapeutic response. In chronic conditions, withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.
1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times daily or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 4 times per day. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, may increase dose frequency if necessary. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, re-evaluate. Once the condition is responding, lower dosage may be used, but care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. In chronic conditions, withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.
Safety and efficacy have not been established. However, pediatric patients commonly receive dosing as in product labels: 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times daily or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 4 times per day. During the initial 24 to 48 hours, may increase dose frequency if necessary. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, re-evaluate. Once the condition is responding, lower dosage may be used, but care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. In chronic conditions, withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
1 to 2 drops in each eye 4 times daily, initially. Reduce dose to 1 to 2 drops in each eye twice daily after 1 to 2 weeks if positive response in signs and/or symptoms and start cyclosporine, then taper or discontinue steroid therapy after 2 to 4 weeks. Consider extending duration to 4 weeks if no response at 2 weeks, especially in patients with moderate to severe disease.
5 to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. Dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO in 3 to 4 divided doses. Dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.5 to 1 mg/kg/dose (Max: 100 mg/dose) PO once daily for at least 4 weeks, then taper dose over 6 to 12 weeks to the lowest dose that sustains remission. Depending on disease severity, lower doses may be used.
0.7 to 2 mg/kg/dose (Max: 60 mg/dose) PO once daily for at least 4 weeks, then taper dose over 12 to 24 months to the lowest dose that sustains remission.
20 mg PO daily for 2 weeks, followed by 10 mg PO daily for an additional 2 weeks, has provided relief. The definitive treatment for median-nerve entrapment is surgery. Corticosteroids are temporary measures; patients who have intermittent pain and paresthesias without any fixed motor-sensory deficits may respond to conservative therapy.
5 to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. Individualize dosage based on the nature and severity of the disease and response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO in 3 to 4 divided doses. Individualize dosage based on the nature and severity of the disease and response.
1 to 2 mg/kg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses, then taper dose over 7 to 10 days.
1 to 2 mg/kg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses, then taper dose over 7 to 10 days.
1 to 2 mg/kg/dose (Max: 60 mg/dose) PO once daily for 1 to 3 days.
5 mg/day to 60 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
0.14 to 2 mg/kg/day PO or 4 to 60 mg/m2/day PO given in 3 to 4 divided doses. The dosage must be individualized and is variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease and on patient response.
There is variation in the literature with regard to dosage regimens. Prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day PO is commonly reported, followed by gradual taper over 3 to 6 weeks. Use of IV methylprednisolone for a few days may precede oral therapy. Following biopsy to confirm diagnosis, corticosteroids are usually instituted soon afterward. Corticosteroid use is an adjunctive measure; removal of the suspected offending agent /cause is the primary treatment. While many case reports suggest a possible net benefit to the use of corticosteroids for AIN, some experts advocate for more prospective study of their value.
A treatment protocol based on the treatment of 31 patients with probable SARS (diagnosed according to WHO criteria) in Hong Kong, suggests the use of corticosteroids along with ribavirin. The use of oral prednisolone follows the use of methylprednisolone IV to complete a total 21 day corticosteroid regimen. The oral prednisolone dosage suggested to complete treatment is 0.5 mg/kg PO twice daily for 5 days, followed by 0.5 mg/kg PO daily for 3 days, then prednisolone 0.25 mg/kg PO daily for 3 days, in conjunction with ribavirin. Other than supportive care, there is no established treatment for SARS. Due to lack of efficacy data, ribavirin and corticosteroid combination therapy should be reserved for patients with the following: extensive or bilateral chest radiographic involvement; persistent chest radiographic involvement and persistent high fever for 2 days; clinical, chest radiographic, or laboratory findings suggestive of worsening; or oxygen saturation less than 95% on room air.]
Prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day PO reduced to 0.1 mg/kg/day by month 6 was used with trough-adjusted cyclosporine, azathioprine [3 mg/kg PO/IV load then 1 to 2.5 mg/kg/day], and sirolimus [15 mg PO load then 5 mg/day adjusted to trough of 1 to 30 ng/mL by HPLC] OR sirolimus [10 mg PO load then 3 mg/day adjusted to trough of 8 ng/mL to 18 ng/mL by HPLC] in one study. Guidelines state corticosteroid avoidance, early corticosteroid weaning, or very low dose maintenance corticosteroid therapy are all acceptable therapeutic approaches. If corticosteroids are used, no rejection episodes in the past 6 months have occurred, and significant corticosteroid side effects are present, attempt corticosteroid weaning. Corticosteroid withdrawal can be successfully achieved 3 to 6 months after transplantation in many patients such as older patients, non-multiparous women, and those without circulating anti-HLA antibodies or rejection history.
Common regimens from high-quality clinical trials include a prednisolone dose of 60 mg/day PO for 5 days, followed by a 5-day taper of 10 mg/day or 25 mg PO twice daily for 10 days , in combination with appropriate antiviral treatment. A dose of 1 mg/kg (up to 80 mg) PO once per day for 7 to 14 days, with an appropriate antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus (HSV), has also been recommended; if treatment is continued for 14 days, the dose can be tapered in the second week of treatment. The American Academy of Neurology notes that for new-onset Bell's palsy, steroids are effective in increasing the probability of complete facial functional recovery according to data derived from class I (high quality) studies.
2 mg/kg/day PO in 3 divided doses until CRP is normalized, then taper over 2 to 3 weeks. This regimen, administered after an initial course of IV steroids that is continued until the patient is afebrile and concurrently with IVIG (2 grams/kg IV once) and aspirin, may be considered for primary treatment of high-risk patients with acute disease or in the retreatment of patients who have recurrent or recrudescent fever after initial IVIG treatment.
1 to 2 mg/kg/day PO starting 3 days before antiparasitics and continuing for the duration of therapy. Titrate based on clinical response. Taper over 6 to 8 weeks after antiparasitic therapy is complete to avoid rebound symptoms.
1 to 2 mg/kg/day PO starting 3 days before antiparasitics and continuing for the duration of therapy. Titrate based on clinical response. Taper over 6 to 8 weeks after antiparasitic therapy is complete to avoid rebound symptoms.
0.5 to 1 mg/kg/dose PO once daily.
†Indicates off-label use
Dosing Considerations
No dosage adjustment of prednisolone is needed in hepatic dysfunction. The use of prednisolone instead of prednisone has been preferred historically for patients with severe hepatic impairment due to the lack of hepatic bioactivation, but most pharmacokinetic data suggest there is no basis for this preference. Doses are equivalent (i.e., 1 mg prednisone is equivalent to 1 mg of prednisolone).
Renal ImpairmentSpecific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Drug Interactions
Abatacept: (Moderate) Concomitant use of immunosuppressives, as well as long-term corticosteroids, may potentially increase the risk of serious infection in abatacept treated patients. Advise patients taking abatacept to seek immediate medical advice if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of infection.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine : (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetazolamide: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may increase the risk of hypokalemia if used concurrently with acetazolamide. Hypokalemia may be especially severe with prolonged use of corticotropin, ACTH. Monitor serum potassium levels to determine the need for potassium supplementation and/or alteration in drug therapy.
Adagrasib: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if prednisolone is used with adagrasib. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A substrate and adagrasib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Other strong CYP3A inhibitors have been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Aldesleukin, IL-2: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Alemtuzumab: (Moderate) Concomitant use of alemtuzumab with immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection.
Aliskiren; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Alogliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Altretamine: (Minor) Concurrent use of altretamine with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as corticosteroids may result in additive effects.
Amifampridine: (Moderate) Carefully consider the need for concomitant treatment with systemic corticosteroids and amifampridine, as coadministration may increase the risk of seizures. If coadministration occurs, closely monitor patients for seizure activity. Seizures have been observed in patients without a history of seizures taking amifampridine at recommended doses. Systemic corticosteroids may increase the risk of seizures in some patients.
Amiloride; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Aminolevulinic Acid: (Minor) Corticosteroids administered prior to or concomitantly with photosensitizing agents used in photodynamic therapy may decrease the efficacy of the treatment.
Aminosalicylate sodium, Aminosalicylic acid: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Amlodipine; Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC): (Moderate) The potassium-wasting effects of corticosteroid therapy can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of other potassium-depleting drugs including amphotericin B. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Amphotericin B liposomal (LAmB): (Moderate) The potassium-wasting effects of corticosteroid therapy can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of other potassium-depleting drugs including amphotericin B. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Amphotericin B: (Moderate) The potassium-wasting effects of corticosteroid therapy can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of other potassium-depleting drugs including amphotericin B. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Antithymocyte Globulin: (Moderate) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Aprepitant, Fosaprepitant: (Moderate) Use caution if prednisolone and aprepitant, fosaprepitant are used concurrently and monitor for an increase in prednisolone-related adverse effects for several days after administration of a multi-day aprepitant regimen. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Aprepitant, when administered as a 3-day oral regimen (125 mg/80 mg/80 mg), is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and inducer and may increase plasma concentrations of prednisolone. For example, a 5-day oral aprepitant regimen increased the AUC of another CYP3A4 substrate, midazolam (single dose), by 2.3-fold on day 1 and by 3.3-fold on day 5. After a 3-day oral aprepitant regimen, the AUC of midazolam (given on days 1, 4, 8, and 15) increased by 25% on day 4, and then decreased by 19% and 4% on days 8 and 15, respectively. As a single 125 mg or 40 mg oral dose, the inhibitory effect of aprepitant on CYP3A4 is weak, with the AUC of midazolam increased by 1.5-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively. After administration, fosaprepitant is rapidly converted to aprepitant and shares many of the same drug interactions. However, as a single 150 mg intravenous dose, fosaprepitant only weakly inhibits CYP3A4 for a duration of 2 days; there is no evidence of CYP3A4 induction. Fosaprepitant 150 mg IV as a single dose increased the AUC of midazolam (given on days 1 and 4) by approximately 1.8-fold on day 1; there was no effect on day 4. Less than a 2-fold increase in the midazolam AUC is not considered clinically important.
Arsenic Trioxide: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of arsenic trioxide and corticosteroids as electrolyte imbalance caused by corticosteroids may increase the risk of QT prolongation with arsenic trioxide.
Articaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi: (Moderate) Concomitant use of L-asparaginase with corticosteroids can result in additive hyperglycemia. L-Asparaginase transiently inhibits insulin production contributing to hyperglycemia seen during concurrent corticosteroid therapy. Insulin therapy may be required in some cases. Administration of L-asparaginase after rather than before corticosteroids reportedly has produced fewer hypersensitivity reactions.
Aspirin, ASA: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Butalbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use. (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol; Codeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Citric Acid; Sodium Bicarbonate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Dipyridamole: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Omeprazole: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Atenolol; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Atracurium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Azathioprine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Azilsartan; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Basiliximab: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids have immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives.
Benazepril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Bexarotene: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents, such as bexarotene.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Bismuth Subsalicylate; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Bortezomib: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Brompheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Bupivacaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Bupropion: (Moderate) Monitor for seizure activity during concomitant bupropion and corticosteroid use. Bupropion is associated with a dose-related seizure risk; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as systemic corticosteroids, increases the seizure risk.
Bupropion; Naltrexone: (Moderate) Monitor for seizure activity during concomitant bupropion and corticosteroid use. Bupropion is associated with a dose-related seizure risk; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as systemic corticosteroids, increases the seizure risk.
Butabarbital: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Butabarbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Butalbital; Acetaminophen: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Butalbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Butalbital; Acetaminophen; Caffeine: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Butalbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Butalbital; Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Codeine: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Butalbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Butalbital; Aspirin; Caffeine; Codeine: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Butalbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use. (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Caffeine; Sodium Benzoate: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may cause protein breakdown, which could lead to elevated blood ammonia concentrations, especially in patients with an impaired ability to form urea. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for hyperammonemia.
Canagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Canagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Candesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Captopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Carbamazepine: (Moderate) Hepatic microsomal enzyme inducers, including carbamazepine, can increase the metabolism of prednisolone. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and closer monitoring of clinical and/or adverse effects is warranted when carbamazepine is used with prednisolone.
Carmustine, BCNU: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Ceritinib: (Minor) Monitor for steroid-related adverse reactions if coadministration of ceritinib with prednisolone is necessary, due to increased prednisolone exposure. Ceritinib is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects; however, plasma concentrations of prednisolone are less affected by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, especially for long-term use.
Certolizumab pegol: (Moderate) The safety and efficacy of certolizumab in patients with immunosuppression have not been evaluated. Patients receiving immunosuppressives along with certolizumab may be at a greater risk of developing an infection. Many of the serious infections occurred in patients on immunosuppressive therapy who received certolizumab.
Chlorambucil: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Chlorothiazide: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Chlorpropamide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Chlorthalidone; Clonidine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Choline Salicylate; Magnesium Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Cisatracurium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Clofarabine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Dapagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Dapagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Dapagliflozin; Saxagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Dasatinib: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives. Close clinical monitoring is advised with concurrent use; in the presence of serious infections, continuation of the corticosteroid or immunosuppressive agent may be necessary but should be accompanied by appropriate antimicrobial therapies as indicated.
Deferasirox: (Moderate) Because gastric ulceration and GI bleeding have been reported in patients taking deferasirox, use caution when coadministering with other drugs known to increase the risk of peptic ulcers or gastric hemorrhage including corticosteroids.
Denosumab: (Moderate) The safety and efficacy of denosumab use in patients with immunosuppression have not been evaluated. Patients receiving immunosuppressives along with denosumab may be at a greater risk of developing an infection.
Desmopressin: (Major) Desmopressin is contraindicated with concomitant inhaled or systemic corticosteroid use due to an increased risk of hyponatremia. Desmopressin can be started or resumed 3 days or 5 half-lives after the corticosteroid is discontinued, whichever is longer.
Dextromethorphan; Bupropion: (Moderate) Monitor for seizure activity during concomitant bupropion and corticosteroid use. Bupropion is associated with a dose-related seizure risk; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as systemic corticosteroids, increases the seizure risk.
Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Dofetilide: (Major) Corticosteroids can cause increases in blood pressure, sodium and water retention, and hypokalemia, predisposing patients to interactions with certain other medications. Corticosteroid-induced hypokalemia could also enhance the proarrhythmic effects of dofetilide.
Dronedarone: (Moderate) Dronedarone is metabolized by and is an inhibitor of CYP3A. Prednisolone is a substrate for CYP3A4. The concomitant administration of dronedarone and CYP3A substrates may result in increased exposure of the substrate and should, therefore, be undertaken with caution.
Droperidol: (Moderate) Caution is advised when using droperidol in combination with corticosteroids which may lead to electrolyte abnormalities, especially hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, as such abnormalities may increase the risk for QT prolongation or cardiac arrhythmias.
Dulaglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Echinacea: (Moderate) Echinacea possesses immunostimulatory activity and may theoretically reduce the response to immunosuppressant drugs like corticosteroids. For some patients who are using corticosteroids for serious illness, such as cancer or organ transplant, this potential interaction may result in the preferable avoidance of Echinacea. Although documentation is lacking, coadministration of echinacea with immunosuppressants is not recommended by some resources.
Econazole: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Elexacaftor; tezacaftor; ivacaftor: (Moderate) Use caution when administering ivacaftor and prednisone concurrently. Ivacaftor is an inhibitor of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein (Pgp); prednisone is a substrate of Pgp and it's active metabolite, prednisolone, is metabolized by CYP3A. Co-administration can increase prednisone exposure leading to increased or prolonged therapeutic effects and adverse events; however, the clinical impact of this has not yet been determined.
Empagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Empagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Enalapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Enzalutamide: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with enzalutamide; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and enzalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Ephedrine: (Moderate) Ephedrine may enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids. Decreased blood concentrations and lessened physiologic activity may necessitate an increase in corticosteroid dosage.
Ephedrine; Guaifenesin: (Moderate) Ephedrine may enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids. Decreased blood concentrations and lessened physiologic activity may necessitate an increase in corticosteroid dosage.
Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Eprosartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Erlotinib: (Moderate) Monitor for symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation (e.g., severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting) if coadministration of erlotinib with prednisolone is necessary. Permanently discontinue erlotinib in patients who develop GI perforation. The pooled incidence of GI perforation clinical trials of erlotinib ranged from 0.1% to 0.4%, including fatal cases; patients receiving concomitant prednisolone may be at increased risk.
Ertugliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Ertugliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Ertugliflozin; Sitagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Estramustine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Estrogens: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Exenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Fosinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Fosphenytoin: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with fosphenytoin; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A substrate and fosphenytoin is a strong CYP3A inducer.
Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate: (Moderate) Repeated administration of high corticosteroid doses prior to gallium Ga 68 dotatate may result in false negative imaging. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. Corticosteroids can down-regulate somatostatin subtype 2 receptors: thereby, interfering with binding of gallium Ga 68 dotatate to malignant cells that overexpress these receptors.
Glimepiride: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glipizide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glyburide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glycerol Phenylbutyrate: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may induce elevated blood ammonia concentrations. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients receiving glycerol phenylbutyrate. Monitor ammonia concentrations closely.
Golimumab: (Moderate) The safety and efficacy of golimumab in patients with immunosuppression have not been evaluated. Patients receiving immunosuppressives along with golimumab may be at a greater risk of developing an infection.
Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Haloperidol: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of haloperidol and corticosteroids as electrolyte imbalance caused by corticosteroids may increase the risk of QT prolongation with haloperidol.
Hemin: (Moderate) Hemin works by inhibiting aminolevulinic acid synthetase. Corticosteroids increase the activity of this enzyme should not be used with hemin.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Methyldopa: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Moexipril: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Hydroxyurea: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Hylan G-F 20: (Major) The safety and efficacy of hylan G-F 20 given concomitantly with other intra-articular injectables have not been established. Other intra-articular injections may include intra-articular steroids (betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone).
Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate; Sodium Biphosphate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance. (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia.
Ibritumomab Tiuxetan: (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia. (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Idelalisib: (Major) Avoid concomitant use of idelalisib, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, with prednisolone, a CYP3A substrate, as prednisolone toxicities may be significantly increased. The AUC of a sensitive CYP3A substrate was increased 5.4-fold when coadministered with idelalisib. In addition, because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents. While therapy is designed to take advantage of this effect, patients may be predisposed to over-immunosuppression resulting in an increased risk for the development of severe infections. If coadministration is necessary, close clinical monitoring is advised and therapy should be accompanied by appropriate antimicrobial therapies as indicated.
Incretin Mimetics: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Indapamide: (Moderate) Additive hypokalemia may occur when indapamide is coadministered with other drugs with a significant risk of hypokalemia such as systemic corticosteroids. Coadminister with caution and careful monitoring.
Inebilizumab: (Moderate) Concomitant usage of inebilizumab with immunosuppressant drugs, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when coadministering therapies that cause immunosuppression with inebilizumab.
Insulin Degludec; Liraglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Glargine; Lixisenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulins: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjust
Interferon Alfa-2b: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Iohexol: (Major) Serious adverse events, including death, have been observed during intrathecal administration of both corticosteroids (i.e., prednisolone) and radiopaque contrast agents (i.e., iohexol); therefore, concurrent use of these medications via the intrathecal route is contraindicated. Cases of cortical blindness, stroke, spinal cord infarction, paralysis, seizures, nerve injury, brain edema, and death have been temporally associated (i.e., within minutes to 48 hours after injection) with epidural administration of injectable corticosteroids. In addition, patients inadvertently administered iohexol formulations not indicated for intrathecal use have experienced seizures, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhages, brain edema, and death. Administering these medications together via the intrathecal route may increase the risk for serious adverse events.
Iopamidol: (Contraindicated) Because both intrathecal corticosteroids (i.e., prednisolone) and intrathecal radiopaque contrast agents (i.e., iopamidoll) can increase the risk of seizures, the intrathecal administration of corticosteroids with intrathecal radiopaque contrast agents is contraindicated.
Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Isavuconazonium: (Moderate) Concomitant use of isavuconazonium with prednisolone may result in increased serum concentrations of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a substrate of the hepatic isoenzyme CYP3A4; isavuconazole, the active moiety of isavuconazonium, is a moderate inhibitor of this enzyme. Caution and close monitoring for adverse effects, such as corticosteroid-related side effects, are advised if these drugs are used together.
Isoniazid, INH; Pyrazinamide, PZA; Rifampin: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with rifampin; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and rifampin is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Isoniazid, INH; Rifampin: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with rifampin; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and rifampin is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Isoproterenol: (Moderate) The risk of cardiac toxicity with isoproterenol in asthma patients appears to be increased with the coadministration of corticosteroids. Intravenous infusions of isoproterenol in refractory asthmatic children at rates of 0.05 to 2.7 mcg/kg/min have caused clinical deterioration, myocardial infarction (necrosis), congestive heart failure and death.
Isotretinoin: (Minor) Both isotretinoin and corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis during chronic use. Patients receiving systemic corticosteroids should receive isotretinoin therapy with caution.
Itraconazole: (Moderate) Itraconazole is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor patients for corticosteroid-related side effects if both prednisolone and itraconazole are taken.
Ivacaftor: (Moderate) Use caution when administering ivacaftor and prednisone concurrently. Ivacaftor is an inhibitor of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein (Pgp); prednisone is a substrate of Pgp and it's active metabolite, prednisolone, is metabolized by CYP3A. Co-administration can increase prednisone exposure leading to increased or prolonged therapeutic effects and adverse events; however, the clinical impact of this has not yet been determined.
Ketoconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if prednisolone is used with ketoconazole. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
L-Asparaginase Escherichia coli: (Moderate) Concomitant use of L-asparaginase with corticosteroids can result in additive hyperglycemia. L-Asparaginase transiently inhibits insulin production contributing to hyperglycemia seen during concurrent corticosteroid therapy. Insulin therapy may be required in some cases. Administration of L-asparaginase after rather than before corticosteroids reportedly has produced fewer hypersensitivity reactions.
Lesinurad: (Moderate) Lesinurad may decrease the systemic exposure and therapeutic efficacy of prednisolone; monitor for potential reduction in efficacy. Prednisolone is a CYP3A substrate, and lesinurad is a weak CYP3A inducer.
Lesinurad; Allopurinol: (Moderate) Lesinurad may decrease the systemic exposure and therapeutic efficacy of prednisolone; monitor for potential reduction in efficacy. Prednisolone is a CYP3A substrate, and lesinurad is a weak CYP3A inducer.
Letermovir: (Moderate) An increase in the plasma concentration of prednisolone may occur if given with letermovir. In patients who are also receiving treatment with cyclosporine, the magnitude of this interaction may be amplified. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Letermovir is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor; however, when given with cyclosporine, the combined effect on CYP3A4 substrates may be similar to a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Concurrent administration with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor decreased the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.
Levoketoconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if prednisolone is used with ketoconazole. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Lidocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Linagliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Liraglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Lisinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Live Vaccines: (Contraindicated) Live vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system. The immunosuppressive effects of steroid treatment differ, but many clinicians consider a dose equivalent to either 2 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/day of prednisone as sufficiently immunosuppressive to raise concern about the safety of immunization with live vaccines. Patients on corticosteroid treatment for 2 weeks or more may be vaccinated after steroid therapy has been discontinued for at least 3 months in accordance with general recommendations for the use of live vaccines. The CDC has stated that discontinuation of steroids for 1 month prior to live vaccine administration may be sufficient. Live vaccines should not be given to individuals who are considered to be immunocompromised until more information is available.
Lixisenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Lomustine, CCNU: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Lonafarnib: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if prednisolone is used with lonafarnib. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and lonafarnib is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors have been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Lonapegsomatropin: (Moderate) Corticosteroids can retard bone growth and therefore, can inhibit the growth-promoting effects of somatropin. If corticosteroid therapy is required, the corticosteroid dose should be carefully adjusted.
Loop diuretics: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and loop diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and loop diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Lopinavir; Ritonavir: (Moderate) Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor patients for corticosteroid-related side effects if prednisone or prednisolone and ritonavir are taken.
Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Lumacaftor; Ivacaftor: (Moderate) Lumacaftor; ivacaftor may reduce the efficacy of prednisone and prednisolone by decreasing systemic exposure of the corticosteroid. If used together, a higher systemic corticosteroid dose may be required to obtain the desired therapeutic effect. Prednisolone, the active metabolite of prednisone, is a CYP3A4 substrate, and lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer. (Moderate) Use caution when administering ivacaftor and prednisone concurrently. Ivacaftor is an inhibitor of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein (Pgp); prednisone is a substrate of Pgp and it's active metabolite, prednisolone, is metabolized by CYP3A. Co-administration can increase prednisone exposure leading to increased or prolonged therapeutic effects and adverse events; however, the clinical impact of this has not yet been determined.
Lumacaftor; Ivacaftor: (Moderate) Lumacaftor; ivacaftor may reduce the efficacy of prednisone and prednisolone by decreasing systemic exposure of the corticosteroid. If used together, a higher systemic corticosteroid dose may be required to obtain the desired therapeutic effect. Prednisolone, the active metabolite of prednisone, is a CYP3A4 substrate, and lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer.
Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate: (Major) Avoid repeated administration of high doses of glucocorticoids during treatment with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate due to the risk of decreased efficacy of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate binds to somatostatin receptors, with the highest affinity for subtype 2 somatostatin receptors (SSTR2); glucocorticoids can induce down-regulation of SSTR2.
Macimorelin: (Major) Avoid use of macimorelin with drugs that directly affect pituitary growth hormone secretion, such as corticosteroids. Healthcare providers are advised to discontinue corticosteroid therapy and observe a sufficient washout period before administering macimorelin. Use of these medications together may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin growth hormone test.
Magnesium Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Mannitol: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may accentuate the electrolyte loss associated with diuretic therapy resulting in hypokalemia. Also, corticotropin may cause calcium loss and sodium and fluid retention. Mannitol itself can cause hypernatremia. Close monitoring of electrolytes should occur in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Mecasermin, Recombinant, rh-IGF-1: (Moderate) Additional monitoring may be required when coadministering systemic or inhaled corticosteroids and mecasermin, recombinant, rh-IGF-1. In animal studies, corticosteroids impair the growth-stimulating effects of growth hormone (GH) through interference with the physiological stimulation of epiphyseal chondrocyte proliferation exerted by GH and IGF-1. Dexamethasone administration on long bone tissue in vitro resulted in a decrease of local synthesis of IGF-1. Similar counteractive effects are expected in humans. If systemic or inhaled glucocorticoid therapy is required, the steroid dose should be carefully adjusted and growth rate monitored.
Meglitinides: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Repaglinide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Rosiglitazone: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Saxagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Sitagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Methazolamide: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may increase the risk of hypokalemia if used concurrently with methazolamide. Hypokalemia may be especially severe with prolonged use of corticotropin, ACTH. Monitor serum potassium levels to determine the need for potassium supplementation and/or alteration in drug therapy. The chronic use of corticosteroids may augment calcium excretion with methazolamide leading to increased risk for hypocalcemia and/or osteoporosis.
Methenamine; Sodium Acid Phosphate: (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia.
Methenamine; Sodium Acid Phosphate; Methylene Blue; Hyoscyamine: (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia.
Methenamine; Sodium Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Methoxsalen: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Methyclothiazide: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Metolazone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Metoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Metyrapone: (Contraindicated) Medications which affect pituitary or adrenocortical function, including all corticosteroid therapy, should be discontinued prior to and during testing with metyrapone. Patients taking inadvertent doses of corticosteroids on the test day may exhibit abnormally high basal plasma cortisol levels and a decreased response to the test. Although systemic absorption of ocular or topical corticosteroids is minimal, temporary discontinuation of these products should be considered if possible to reduce the potential for interference with the test results.
Micafungin: (Moderate) Leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia have been associated with micafungin. Patients who are taking immunosuppressives such as the corticosteroids with micafungin concomitantly may have additive risks for infection or other side effects. In a pharmacokinetic trial, micafungin had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone. Acute intravascular hemolysis and hemoglobinuria was seen in a healthy volunteer during infusion of micafungin (200 mg) and oral prednisolone (20 mg). This reaction was transient, and the subject did not develop significant anemia.
Mifepristone: (Major) Mifepristone for termination of pregnancy is contraindicated in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy and mifepristone for Cushing's disease or other chronic conditions is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant treatment with systemic corticosteroids for life-saving purposes, such as serious medical conditions or illnesses (e.g., immunosuppression after organ transplantation). For other situations where corticosteroids are used for treating non-life threatening conditions, mifepristone may lead to reduced corticosteroid efficacy and exacerbation or deterioration of such conditions. This is because mifepristone exhibits antiglucocorticoid activity that may antagonize corticosteroid therapy and the stabilization of the underlying corticosteroid-treated illness. Mifepristone may also cause adrenal insufficiency, so patients receiving corticosteroids for non life-threatening illness require close monitoring. Because serum cortisol levels remain elevated and may even increase during treatment with mifepristone, serum cortisol levels do not provide an accurate assessment of hypoadrenalism. Patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, If adrenal insufficiency occurs, stop mifepristone treatment and administer systemic glucocorticoids without delay; high doses may be needed to treat these events. Factors considered in deciding on the duration of glucocorticoid treatment should include the long half-life of mifepristone (85 hours).
Mitotane: (Moderate) Use caution if mitotane and prednisolone are used concomitantly, and monitor for decreased efficacy of prednisolone and a possible change in dosage requirements. Mitotane is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate; coadministration may result in decreased plasma concentrations of prednisolone.
Mitoxantrone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Mivacurium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Natalizumab: (Major) Ordinarily, patients receiving chronic immunosuppressant therapy should not be treated with natalizumab. Treatment recommendations for combined corticosteroid therapy are dependent on the underlying indication for natalizumab therapy. Corticosteroids should be tapered in those patients with Crohn's disease who are on chronic corticosteroids when they start natalizumab therapy, as soon as a therapeutic benefit has occurred. If the patient cannot discontinue systemic corticosteroids within 6 months, discontinue natalizumab. The concomitant use of natalizumab and corticosteroids may further increase the risk of serious infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, over the risk observed with use of natalizumab alone. In multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials, an increase in infections was seen in patients concurrently receiving short courses of corticosteroids. However, the increase in infections in natalizumab-treated patients who received steroids was similar to the increase in placebo-treated patients who received steroids. Short courses of steroid use during natalizumab, such as when they are needed for MS relapse treatment, appear to be acceptable for use concurrently.
Nateglinide: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Nelarabine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Neostigmine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as neostigmine, and systemic corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Neostigmine; Glycopyrrolate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as neostigmine, and systemic corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Neuromuscular blockers: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Nirmatrelvir; Ritonavir: (Moderate) Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor patients for corticosteroid-related side effects if prednisone or prednisolone and ritonavir are taken.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. The Beers criteria recommends that this drug combination be avoided in older adults; if coadministration cannot be avoided, provide gastrointestinal protection.
Ocrelizumab: (Moderate) Ocrelizumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressive or immune modulating therapies used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids. Concomitant use of ocrelizumab with any of these therapies may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection.
Ofatumumab: (Moderate) Concomitant use of ofatumumab with corticosteroids may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection. Ofatumumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressive or immune modulating therapies used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids.
Olmesartan; Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Olmesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Oritavancin: (Minor) Prednisolone is metabolized by CYP3A4; oritavancin is a weak CYP3A4 inducer. Plasma concentrations and efficacy of prednisolone may be reduced if these drugs are administered concurrently.
Oxymetholone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of oxymetholone with corticosteroids or corticotropin, ACTH may cause increased edema. Manage edema with diuretic and/or digitalis therapy.
Ozanimod: (Moderate) Concomitant use of ozanimod with prednisolone may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection. In clinical studies for ulcerative colitis, the use of systemic corticosteroids did not appear to influence safety or efficacy of ozanimod.
Pancuronium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Pazopanib: (Moderate) Pazopanib is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4. Coadministration of pazopanib and prednisolone, a CYP3A4 substrate, may cause an increase in systemic concentrations of prednisolone. Use caution when administering these drugs concomitantly. In addition, concomitant administration may predispose the patient to over-immunosuppression resulting in an increased risk for the development of severe infections.
Pegaspargase: (Moderate) Monitor for an increase in glucocorticoid-related adverse reactions such as hyperglycemia and osteonecrosis during concomitant use of pegaspargase and glucocorticoids.
Peginterferon Alfa-2a: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Penicillamine: (Major) Agents such as immunosuppressives have adverse reactions similar to those of penicillamine. Concomitant use of penicillamine with these agents is contraindicated because of the increased risk of developing severe hematologic and renal toxicity.
Phenobarbital: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Phenobarbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Phenobarbital; Hyoscyamine; Atropine; Scopolamine: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Phenobarbital is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Phenytoin: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with phenytoin; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A substrate and phenytoin is a strong CYP3A inducer.
Photosensitizing agents (topical): (Minor) Corticosteroids administered prior to or concomitantly with photosensitizing agents used in photodynamic therapy may decrease the efficacy of the treatment.
Physostigmine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as physostigmine, and systemic corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, withdraw anticholinesterase inhibitors at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.
Pimozide: (Moderate) According to the manufacturer of pimozide, the drug should not be coadministered with drugs known to cause electrolyte imbalances, such as high-dose, systemic corticosteroid therapy. Pimozide is associated with a well-established risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP), and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia) may increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Pimozide is contraindicated in patients with known hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Topical corticosteroids are less likely to interact.
Pioglitazone; Glimepiride: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Pioglitazone; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Ponesimod: (Moderate) Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Additive immune suppression may result from concomitant use of ponesimod and high-dose corticosteroid therapy which may extend the duration or severity of immune suppression. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days.
Posaconazole: (Moderate) Posaconazole and prednisolone should be coadministered with caution due to an increased potential for prednisolone-related adverse events. Posaconazole is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, an isoenzyme responsible for the metabolism of prednisolone. These drugs used in combination may result in elevated prednisolone plasma concentrations, causing an increased risk for prednisolone-related adverse events.
Potassium Phosphate; Sodium Phosphate: (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics: (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Pramlintide: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA (Dietary Supplements): (Moderate) Corticosteroids blunt the adrenal secretion of endogenous DHEA and DHEAS, resulting in reduced DHEA and DHEAS serum concentrations.
Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA (FDA-approved): (Moderate) Corticosteroids blunt the adrenal secretion of endogenous DHEA and DHEAS, resulting in reduced DHEA and DHEAS serum concentrations.
Prilocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Primidone: (Moderate) Coadministration may result in decreased exposure to prednisolone. Primidone is a CYP3A4 inducer; prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor for decreased response to prednisolone during concurrent use.
Promethazine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Propranolol: (Moderate) Monitor blood sugar during concomitant corticosteroid and propranolol use due to risk for hypoglycemia. Concurrent use may increase risk of hypoglycemia because of loss of the counter-regulatory cortisol response.
Propranolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor blood sugar during concomitant corticosteroid and propranolol use due to risk for hypoglycemia. Concurrent use may increase risk of hypoglycemia because of loss of the counter-regulatory cortisol response. (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Purine analogs: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Pyridostigmine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as pyridostigmine, and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.
Quinapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Quinolones: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Repaglinide: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Rifampin: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with rifampin; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and rifampin is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Rifapentine: (Moderate) Monitor for decreased corticosteroid efficacy if prednisolone is used with rifapentine; a dosage increase may be necessary. Concurrent use may decrease the exposure of prednisolone. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and rifapentine is a strong CYP3A4 inducer.
Ritonavir: (Moderate) Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Monitor patients for corticosteroid-related side effects if prednisone or prednisolone and ritonavir are taken.
Rituximab: (Moderate) Rituximab and corticosteroids are commonly used together; however, monitor the patient for immunosuppression and signs and symptoms of infection during combined chronic therapy.
Rituximab; Hyaluronidase: (Moderate) Rituximab and corticosteroids are commonly used together; however, monitor the patient for immunosuppression and signs and symptoms of infection during combined chronic therapy.
Rocuronium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Salicylates: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Salsalate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Sargramostim, GM-CSF: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sargramostim and systemic corticosteroid agents due to the risk of additive myeloproliferative effects. If coadministration of these drugs is required, frequently monitor patients for clinical and laboratory signs of excess myeloproliferative effects (e.g., leukocytosis). Sargramostim is a recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor that works by promoting proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines: (Moderate) Patients receiving corticosteroids in greater than physiologic doses may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. Counsel patients receiving corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
Semaglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Siponimod: (Moderate) Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection during coadministration of siponimod and prednisolone. Concomitant use may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Siponimod has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressive therapies used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids.
Sipuleucel-T: (Major) Concomitant use of sipuleucel-T and immunosuppressives should be avoided. Concurrent administration of immunosuppressives with the leukapheresis procedure that occurs prior to sipuleucel-T infusion has not been studied. Sipuleucel-T stimulates the immune system and patients receiving immunosuppressives may have a diminished response to sipuleucel-T. When appropriate, consider discontinuing or reducing the dose of immunosuppressives prior to initiating therapy with sipuleucel-T.
Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may cause protein breakdown, which could lead to elevated blood ammonia concentrations, especially in patients with an impaired ability to form urea. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for hyperammonemia.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate: (Moderate) The concurrent use of corticosteroids with sodium phenylbutyrate may increase plasma ammonia levels (hyperammonemia) by causing the breakdown of body protein. Patients with urea cycle disorders being treated with sodium phenylbutyrate usually should not receive regular treatment with corticosteroids.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate; Taurursodiol: (Moderate) The concurrent use of corticosteroids with sodium phenylbutyrate may increase plasma ammonia levels (hyperammonemia) by causing the breakdown of body protein. Patients with urea cycle disorders being treated with sodium phenylbutyrate usually should not receive regular treatment with corticosteroids.
Sodium Phosphate Monobasic Monohydrate; Sodium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous: (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia.
Somapacitan: (Moderate) Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress steroid doses following initiation of somapacitan. Monitor for signs/symptoms of reduced serum cortisol concentrations. Growth hormone (GH) inhibits 11betaHSD-1. Consequently, patients with untreated GH deficiency have relative increases in 11betaHSD-1 and serum cortisol. The initiation of somapacitan may result in inhibition of 11betaHSD-1 and reduced serum cortisol concentrations.
Somatrogon: (Moderate) Monitor for a decrease in serum cortisol concentrations and corticosteroid efficacy during concurrent use of corticosteroids and somatrogon. Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress steroid doses following initiation of somatrogon. Additionally, supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment may attenuate the growth promoting effects of somatrogon. Carefully adjust glucocorticoid replacement dosing to avoid hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth.
Somatropin, rh-GH: (Moderate) Corticosteroids can retard bone growth and therefore, can inhibit the growth-promoting effects of somatropin. If corticosteroid therapy is required, the corticosteroid dose should be carefully adjusted.
Sotagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Spironolactone; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Succinylcholine: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Sulfonylureas: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Telmisartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Testosterone: (Moderate) Monitor for fluid retention during concurrent corticosteroid and testosterone use. Concurrent use may result in increased fluid retention.
Tezacaftor; Ivacaftor: (Moderate) Use caution when administering ivacaftor and prednisone concurrently. Ivacaftor is an inhibitor of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein (Pgp); prednisone is a substrate of Pgp and it's active metabolite, prednisolone, is metabolized by CYP3A. Co-administration can increase prednisone exposure leading to increased or prolonged therapeutic effects and adverse events; however, the clinical impact of this has not yet been determined.
Thiazide diuretics: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Thiazolidinediones: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Tirzepatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Tolazamide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Tolbutamide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Tositumomab: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Tretinoin, ATRA: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Triamterene; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative, PPD: (Moderate) Immunosuppressives may decrease the immunological response to tuberculin purified protein derivative, PPD. This suppressed reactivity can persist for up to 6 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Consider deferring the skin test until completion of the immunosuppressive therapy.
Tucatinib: (Moderate) Monitor for steroid-related adverse reactions if coadministration of prednisolone with tucatinib is necessary, due to increased prednisolone exposure; Cushings syndrome and adrenal suppression could potentially occur with long-term use. Prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate and tucatinib is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.
Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Vecuronium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Vemurafenib: (Minor) Vemurafenib is an inducer of CYP3A4 and decreased plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by this enzyme, such as prednisolone, could be expected with concurrent use. Use caution, and monitor therapeutic effects of prednisolone when coadministered with vemurafenib.
Vigabatrin: (Major) Vigabatrin should not be used with corticosteroids, which are associated with serious ophthalmic effects (e.g., retinopathy or glaucoma) unless the benefit of treatment clearly outweighs the risks.
Vincristine Liposomal: (Moderate) Use sodium phosphate cautiously with corticosteroids, especially mineralocorticoids or corticotropin, ACTH, as concurrent use can cause hypernatremia.
Voriconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for potential adrenal dysfunction with concomitant use of voriconazole and prednisolone. In patients taking corticosteroids, voriconazole-associated CYP3A4 inhibition of their metabolism may lead to corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression. In vivo studies showed no significant effects of voriconazole on prednisolone exposure; no prednisolone dosage adjustment is necessary. Voriconazole (200 mg every 12 hours for 30 days) with prednisolone (60 mg as a single dose) increased prednisolone Cmax and AUC by 11% and 34%, respectively, in healthy subjects. Voriconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and prednisolone is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Vorinostat: (Moderate) Use vorinostat and corticosteroids together with caution; the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias may be increased if electrolyte abnormalities occur. Corticosteroids may cause electrolyte imbalances; hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, or hypocalcemia and may increase the risk of QT prolongation with vorinostat. Frequently monitor serum electrolytes if concomitant use of these drugs is necessary.
Warfarin: (Moderate) Monitor the INR if warfarin is administered with corticosteroids. The effect of corticosteroids on warfarin is variable. There are reports of enhanced as well as diminished effects of anticoagulants when given concurrently with corticosteroids; however, limited published data exist, and the mechanism of the interaction is not well described. High-dose corticosteroids appear to pose a greater risk for increased anticoagulant effect. In addition, corticosteroids have been associated with a risk of peptic ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Zafirlukast: (Minor) Zafirlukast inhibits the CYP3A4 isoenzymes and should be used cautiously in patients stabilized on drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, such as corticosteroids.
How Supplied
AK-Pred/Inflamase Forte/Ocu-Pred Forte/Prednisolone/Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate/Pred-Phosphate Ophthalmic Sol: 1%
AsmalPred/Millipred/Orapred/Pediapred/Prednisolone/Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate/Prelone/Veripred-20 Oral Sol: 5mL, 6.7mg, 13.4mg, 15mg, 20.2mg, 26.9mg, 33.6mg
AsmalPred/Millipred/Orapred/Prednisolone/Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Liq: 5mL, 13.4mg, 20.2mg
Econopred Plus/Ocu-Pred A/Omnipred/Pred Mild/Pred-Forte/Prednisolone/Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Susp: 0.12%, 1%
Millipred/Millipred DP/Millipred DP 12-Day/Millipred DP 6 Day/Prednisolone/Prednoral Oral Tab: 5mg
Orapred ODT/Prednisolone/Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Oral Tab Orally Dis: 13.4mg, 20.2mg, 40.3mg
Maximum Dosage
Dosage must be individualized and is highly variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease, and on patient response. Although there is no absolute maximum dosage per se, psychiatric events occur more commonly in patients receiving 80 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent.
Mechanism Of Action
Glucocorticoids are naturally occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses when administered at pharmacological doses. At a molecular level, unbound glucocorticoids readily cross cell membranes and bind with high affinity to specific cytoplasmic receptors. This binding induces a response by modifying transcription and, ultimately, protein synthesis to achieve the steroid's intended action. Such actions can include: inhibition of leukocyte infiltration at the site of inflammation, interference in the function of mediators of inflammatory response, and suppression of humoral immune responses. Some of the net effects include reduction in edema or scar tissue as well as a general suppression of immune response. The degree of clinical effect is normally related to the dose administered. The antiinflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. Lipocortins, in turn, control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of the precursor molecule arachidonic acid. Likewise, the numerous adverse effects related to corticosteroid use are usually related to the dose administered and the duration of therapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Prednisolone is administered orally and by topical ophthalmic application. Any prednisolone that is systemically absorbed is distributed into the kidney, muscle, liver, intestines, and skin tissues. The circulating drug is 70% to 90% bound to plasma proteins, and only the unbound portion of the drug is active. Systemic prednisolone is metabolized by the liver to sulfate and glucuronide conjugates. These inactive metabolites, as well as a small portion of unchanged drug, are excreted in the urine. Prednisolone is eliminated from the plasma with a half-life of 2 to 4 hours; however, the biological half-life is determined by intracellular activity, and is about 18 to 36 hours.
Affected cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and drug transporters: CYP3A4
Prednisolone appears to be a CYP3A4 substrate to some degree; the degree of involvement of CYP3A4 for prednisolone metabolism is not fully understood. Coadministration of one potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, voriconazole, did not result in a significant effect on prednisolone exposure and there was no need for prednisolone dosage adjustment. Prednisolone exposure may be decreased by strong CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin.
Prednisolone is rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is approximately 70% (range 50 to 90%). Administration with oral solution results in a Cmax that is 14% higher than that seen with the tablets. Peak concentrations occur 20% earlier with the solution compared with the tablet. With the oral suspension, peak concentrations are reached 1 to 2 hours after administration. Food delays the time to peak concentrations, but overall bioavailability is not affected significantly.
Other Route(s)Ophthalmic Route
Following ophthalmic administration, prednisolone is absorbed through the aqueous humor, with only minimal systemic absorption occurring. Ophthalmic preparations distribute into the local tissues and are metabolized locally.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Prednisolone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Based on findings from human and animal studies, corticosteroids can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Published epidemiological studies suggest a small but inconsistent increased risk of orofacial clefts with the systemic use of corticosteroids during the first trimester. Intrauterine growth restriction and decreased birth weight have also been reported with maternal use of corticosteroids during pregnancy; however, the underlying maternal condition may also contribute to these risks. Published animal studies show prednisolone to be teratogenic in rats, rabbits, hamsters, and mice with an increased incidence of cleft palate in offspring. Advise a pregnant woman about the reproductive risk and the potential harm to a fetus. Neonates born to pregnant women who have received corticosteroids should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of hypoadrenalism, and appropriate therapy should be initiated, if necessary. Ophthalmic prednisolone and other ocular corticosteroids were applied to both eyes of pregnant mice (5 times per day on days 10 through 13 of gestation); a significant increase in the incidence of cleft palate was observed in the fetuses of the treated mice.
Systemic corticosteroids distribute into breast milk, and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects in nursing infants; some manufacturers of prednisolone advise a decision be made to discontinue the drug or to discontinue nursing. However, in clinical use, systemic use of prednisone and prednisolone is usually considered compatible with breast-feeding. It is not known whether topical ophthalmic administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. At higher daily prednisolone doses, avoidance of breast-feeding during times of peak milk concentrations can help limit infant exposure. Due to lowered systemic absorption, ophthalmic use of prednisolone poses little concern to the nursing infant and is considered compatible with breast-feeding. There are published case reports of systemic prednisolone use during pregnancy that indicate little risk to a nursing infant due to a lack of reported side effects. Peak concentrations in human milk appear in about 1 hour after a dose, and the total daily dose reaching the infant is approximately 0.1% of the mother's total daily dose. Prednisone and methylprednisolone have similar data available regarding systemic use during lactation. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition.