Prednisolone Available Strengths
Prednisolone is available in multiple oral formulations including tablets and liquid solutions, with common oral strengths being 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 25 mg per 5 mL for liquid preparations, while injectable formulations are available for intravenous administration. 1, 2
Oral Formulations
Liquid/Solution Forms
- 10 mg prednisolone per 5 mL
- 15 mg prednisolone per 5 mL
- 20 mg prednisolone per 5 mL
- 25 mg prednisolone per 5 mL
These oral solutions (prednisolone sodium phosphate) produce a 14% higher peak plasma level and achieve peak concentration 20% faster than tablets 1, 2. High-concentration liquid formulations (1 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL) have been developed for emergency use, allowing doses up to 100-250 mg in liquid form 3.
Tablet Forms
While specific tablet strengths are not detailed in the FDA labeling provided, tablets are the standard alternative to liquid formulations. The evidence indicates tablets have slightly different pharmacokinetics compared to liquid preparations but achieve complete bioavailability 1, 2.
Injectable Formulations
Intravenous prednisolone is available as prednisolone sodium phosphate for IV administration 1. Common IV doses used in clinical practice include:
- 40 mg for conditions like chronic asthma 4
- 60 mg for COPD exacerbations 5
- 250 mg for severe inflammatory conditions 3
Clinical Dosing Context from Guidelines
The guidelines provide context for typical dosing ranges across conditions:
- Gout flares: 30-35 mg/day oral prednisolone for 3-5 days 6
- Autoimmune hepatitis: Starting dose approximately 0.5 mg/kg/day, maximum 40 mg/day 7
- Sydenham chorea: 2 mg/kg/day (max 60 mg/day) 8
- Sarcoidosis: 20-40 mg/day initial doses 9
Important Pharmacokinetic Notes
Oral prednisolone demonstrates complete bioavailability (bioavailability fraction 1.063) 10, meaning oral and IV routes deliver equivalent systemic drug exposure when using the same dose. The plasma half-life is 2-4 hours, with 70-90% protein binding 1, 2.