From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Gastric irritation may be reduced if taken before, during, or immediately after meals or with food or milk. The initial dosage of PredniSONE tablets may vary from 5 mg to 60 mg per day, depending on the specific disease entity being treated. IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT DOSAGE REQUIREMENTS ARE VARIABLE AND MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED ON THE BASIS OF THE DISEASE UNDER TREATMENT AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT The treatment approach with prednisone involves individualized dosing, with initial doses ranging from 5 mg to 60 mg per day, depending on the specific disease being treated 1. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose that maintains an adequate clinical response.
- Key considerations for treatment include:
- Initial dosage: 5-60 mg per day
- Individualized dosing based on disease and patient response
- Gradual withdrawal of therapy to minimize adverse effects
- Monitoring for changes in clinical status and adjusting dosage as needed 1
From the Research
Antibiotic treatment should be given for the shortest duration possible, as high-quality evidence supports shorter treatment durations for many common infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, intraabdominal sepsis, gram-negative bacteraemia, and vertebral osteomyelitis. This approach is based on recent randomized controlled trials, as summarized in a 2020 study published in Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases 2. The study highlights that treatment durations for many common infections have been based on expert opinion rather than randomized trials, but now there is evidence to support shorter courses of antibiotic therapy for many conditions.
When considering antibiotic treatment, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks, including the potential for antimicrobial resistance. A 2021 study published in Reviews in Medical Virology discusses the use of azithromycin in viral infections, including its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties 3. However, this study does not provide direct evidence for the treatment of bacterial infections.
In terms of specific antibiotics, a 2020 review published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection provides guidance on the use of oral amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, emphasizing the preferred use of amoxicillin alone and highlighting the importance of considering the potential for gastrointestinal side effects and antimicrobial resistance 4.
Key considerations for antibiotic treatment include:
- Using the shortest effective treatment duration
- Selecting the most appropriate antibiotic based on the suspected or confirmed cause of the infection
- Considering the potential for antimicrobial resistance and gastrointestinal side effects
- Following evidence-based guidelines and expert recommendations
Overall, the goal of antibiotic treatment should be to effectively treat the infection while minimizing the risk of adverse effects and promoting antimicrobial stewardship. By prioritizing shorter treatment durations and evidence-based antibiotic selection, clinicians can help reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes.