Saturday 1 September 2012

Prednisone Side Effects

Prednisone Side Effects: Its Threat to the Human Race There are different of drugs that are available in the market right now; some can be bought over the counter and others can be bought with the use of prescription. One of the most common over the counter drug we can buy is Prednisone. We will try to see what is Prednisone side effects and the pros and cons that it can bring to the human body. Prednisone is a common form of corticosteroid classified under anti-inflammatory agents which helps to prevent inflammatory process. This drug is commonly used in patients with allergy, systemic lupus erythematosus, and asthma, even arthritis. This drug is converted into a prednisolone after the liver has been able to metabolize it. It also acts in order to suppress the immune system, thereby, making it an effective drug against autoimmune disorder such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Rehumatoid arthritis and asthma. Prednisone is also found effective for kidney disorders such as the nephritic syndrome. And if you are under transplant, this drug is also helpful in preventing tissue rejection. The usual dosage for the drug that an adult can take is twenty to eighty milligrams in a day and for children, they can take only up to 50 milligrams per day. Despite of the many benefits it can give to the human race, the side effects of Prednisone is also one thing to watch out for. It can have a serious effect to adult patients in a long term and short term therapy.

Prednisone is found to cause Cushing-like syndrome when taken in a prolonged period of time. Cushing-like syndrome can manifest high blood pressure, buffalo humps, and even truncal obesity. Other minor effects include formation of stretch marks, acne and even cataracts. In children, prednisone poses a great risk if taken incessantly. It can cause growth suppression in children which can be very detrimental to their mind and physique. Other side effects in children include glucose intolerance and pituitary-adrenal axis suspension. And for pregnant women, prednisone is a big no-no because of the harmful effects it can bring to the unborn child. And taken as a whole, being a potent inflammatory suppressant, the effects can cause severe infection in the end because the body is unable to release antibodies. Amidst the great benefits certain drugs can bring, we should still be vigilant about the side effects that can cause. Drugs may cure our ailments, yet they can take our lives. That is why for medication, like Prednisone, caution is advised to the patients. Doctors will provide necessary precautions when they prescribe the drug and if they don’t, you can always take the initiative to ask.


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