Home Drug Guide Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate

Brand Names Hydeltrasol, Pediapred, Orapred Odt, Orapred, Inflamase Mild, Inflamase Forte, Metreton, Predair Forte, Predair

Classification

Therapeutic: Anti-inflammatory, Immunosuppressant

Pharmacological: Corticosteroid

FDA Approved Indications

  • Inflammatory conditions (e.g., asthma, allergic reactions, rheumatic disorders, dermatologic conditions)
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Certain cancers

Mechanism of Action

Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate suppresses inflammation and immune responses by inhibiting multiple inflammatory cytokines and mediators; it modulates transcription of anti-inflammatory genes and represses pro-inflammatory genes.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dosing varies widely depending on condition; typically 5-60 mg daily in divided doses. Adjust based on clinical response.

Pediatric: Dose based on weight or surface area; typically 1-2 mg/kg/day, divided. Titration required.

Geriatric: Use with caution; start at lower end of dosing range due to increased risk of side effects.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose based on severity; monitor closely.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses placenta.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted in urine and feces.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 hours, but clinical effect lasts longer due to steroid activity.

Contraindications

  • Systemic fungal infections
  • Known hypersensitivity to prednisolone

Precautions

  • Patients with infections, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, peptic ulcers, glaucoma, or psychiatric conditions. Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation; weigh benefits and risks.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Increased appetite (Common)
  • Insomnia (Common)
  • Weight gain (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Adrenal suppression (Serious)
  • Increased risk of infection (Serious)
  • Osteoporosis (Serious)
  • Psychiatric disturbances (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • NSAIDs (increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding)
  • Diuretics (potassium loss)
  • Live vaccines (increased risk of infection)

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None specific

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Potential interactions with herbal supplements affecting coagulation or immune response

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of infection, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, mood changes. Monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection
  • Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
  • Risk for osteoporosis

Implementation: Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Taper dose slowly to prevent adrenal insufficiency.

Evaluation: Assess for resolution of symptoms, monitor side effects, adjust dosage accordingly.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not stop abruptly; taper under medical supervision.
  • Report signs of infection, mood changes, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
  • Use caution with activities that may lead to injury due to osteoporosis risk.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Increased risk of secondary infection, potential for psychological effects, osteoporosis, and adrenal suppression with systemic corticosteroids.

Genetic Factors: Genetic variations may influence metabolism; pharmacogenetic testing not routinely performed.

Lab Test Interference: May alter glucose, thyroid function tests, and electrolyte levels.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Cushingoid appearance, electrolyte disturbances, suppressed adrenal function.

Treatment: Discontinue drug gradually; support symptomatic treatment; consider activated charcoal if ingestion recent; manage complications.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable until expiration date on packaging.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.