From the FDA Drug Label
The initial dose of prednisolone sodium phosphate oral solution, (15 mg prednisolone base) may vary from 1. 67 mL to 20 mL (5 to 60 mg prednisolone base) per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated. If after long term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly There is no specific prednisolone schedule for 5 days for an adult provided in the drug label. The dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and the response of the patient 1.
- The initial dose may vary from 5 to 60 mg per day.
- The label does not provide a specific tapering schedule for a 5-day course.
- It is recommended to withdraw the drug gradually rather than abruptly after long-term therapy.
From the Research
A typical adult prednisolone schedule for a 5-day course is 40 mg once daily in the morning, taken with food, as this dose has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and suppressing immune responses, while minimizing potential side effects 2. The most common regimen is 40 mg daily for all 5 days, though some conditions may require higher doses. Some key points to consider when taking prednisolone include:
- Take the medication with breakfast to minimize stomach irritation and to align with your body's natural cortisol rhythm, which is highest in the morning.
- Prednisolone should be taken at approximately the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking prednisolone abruptly as this short course doesn't typically require tapering.
- Common side effects include increased appetite, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and elevated blood sugar.
- If you have diabetes, monitor your blood glucose more frequently while on prednisolone.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, as these may require additional monitoring. It's also important to note that the effects of prednisolone on carbohydrate metabolism, including hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and abdominal adiposity, have been studied, and low-dose prednisolone has been shown to perturb these aspects of metabolism 3. Additionally, a study on the mortality risk in patients with adrenal insufficiency using prednisolone or hydrocortisone found that prednisolone may be associated with higher mortality in primary adrenal insufficiency, although the evidence is not yet conclusive 4. Overall, the use of prednisolone should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional to minimize potential risks and maximize benefits.