Recommended Dosage of Omnacortil (Prednisolone) for Children with Asthmatic Cough
For children with asthmatic cough, the recommended dose of Omnacortil (prednisolone) is 1-2 mg/kg body weight daily (maximum 60 mg/day) for 3-10 days. 1
Dosing Guidelines for Acute Asthma Exacerbations
Initial Dosing
- For acute asthmatic cough/exacerbation: 1-2 mg/kg/day (maximum 60 mg/day) 1
- No tapering is needed for short courses (3-10 days) 1
- Single daily dosing is sufficient and as effective as divided doses 2
Duration of Treatment
- Short course or "burst" therapy should be continued until symptoms resolve or peak expiratory flow reaches 80% of personal best 2
- This typically requires 3-10 days of treatment 1, 2
Evidence for Dosing Recommendations
Comparative Dose Studies
- Research shows that 1 mg/kg/day is as effective as 2 mg/kg/day for treating acute asthma exacerbations 3
- Higher doses (2 mg/kg/day) are associated with more behavioral side effects without additional clinical benefit 3
- Studies demonstrate that even lower doses (0.5 mg/kg/day) may be effective for hospitalized children 4
Administration Considerations
- Prednisolone can be given as a single daily dose 2
- Morning administration is preferred to minimize adrenal suppression 2
- No need to taper the dose for short courses less than 7 days 1
Special Considerations
Age-Specific Recommendations
- For very young children (under 5 years): Ensure accurate weight-based dosing 1
- For school-age children: Same dosing principles apply (1-2 mg/kg/day) 1
Monitoring During Treatment
- Monitor for improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath) 1
- If appropriate by age, peak expiratory flow measurements can guide treatment duration 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underdosing: Inadequate doses may lead to treatment failure and prolonged symptoms 1
- Unnecessary tapering: Short courses (3-10 days) do not require tapering 1
- Prolonged use: Extended courses beyond 10 days increase risk of adverse effects 2
- Delayed initiation: Early administration of prednisolone speeds recovery in acute asthmatic episodes 5
Alternative Treatment Options
- Single-dose dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) may be considered as an alternative to a 5-day course of prednisolone 6, 7
- This may improve compliance in certain situations but is not the standard first-line approach 7
Remember that while these dosing guidelines are evidence-based, clinical response should be monitored and treatment adjusted accordingly 2.