Prednisolone belongs to a class of medications called glucocorticoids or steroid hormones. It mainly works by reducing inflammation with a wide range of indications, including:
For allergic and inflammatory disorders
Oral
Adult
Usual range is 5-60 mg daily and may be given as daily divided doses, daily single dose, a double dose on alternate days. Dosage is individualised according to the disease and your response.
For inflammatory eye disorders
To the eyes
Adult / Child
As 1% Prednisolone acetate suspension: Instill 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac 2-4 times daily, may increase to 2 drops every hour during the initial 24-48 hours;
As 0.5% Prednisolone sodium phosphate solution: Instill 1-2 drops every 1-2 hours until control is achieved.
For allergic and inflammatory conditions of the ear
To the ears
Adult
As 0.5% Prednisolone Na phosphate solution: Instill 2 or 3 drops into the ear 2 or 3 every hour until control is achieved. The frequency of administration depends on your response and the treatment needs to be discontinued if there is no response within 7 days of treatment.
For Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
Rectal
Adult
For rectal and rectosigmoidal disease:
As enema: 1 enema at bedtime for 2-4 weeks.
As suppository: Remove the wrapper and Insert 1 suppository at bedtime and 1 suppository in the morning after defecation.
When used as a cream or ointment, minimise the period of time you use Prednisolone as long-term use can cause skin thinning.
When Prednisolone is taken by mouth for long-term use, it can have more serious side effects such as anxiety, cataracts, cognitive impairment, fat redistribution (moon face and buffalo hump), fluid retention, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, impaired wound healing, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, menstrual cycle irregularities, and osteoporosis.
Common dosing schedule:
Take Prednisolone with or after food or milk to reduce stomach discomfort.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Prednisolone may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Prednisolone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Prednisolone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!