Prednisolone sodium phosphate belongs to the family of medications called corticosteroids and is used for its ability to reduce inflammation in many parts of the body.

Prednisolone is most often used to treat conditions involving swelling and itching (e.g., allergic reactions) and breathing problems that involve inflamed airways. Other uses include treatment of certain cancers and blood disorders or conditions where suppression of the immune system is needed. It may also be given when the body does not produce enough natural corticosteroids.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The dose of prednisolone sodium phosphate solution for children varies widely according to the condition and age of the child being treated. The starting dose is usually between 5 mg and 60 mg per day. Your doctor will adjust the dose depending on how well the medication works for you or your child and how well it is tolerated. If the condition being treated does not improve or becomes worse after a few days, call your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

If the medication is to be given once daily, it is best to give it in the morning. Take prednisolone with food to avoid stomach upset.

Do not stop using this medication without first checking with your doctor. If prednisolone has been taken for a long period of time, it may be necessary to gradually reduce the dose to avoid withdrawal effects or a return of the symptoms that were being treated.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, and do not refrigerate. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Each 5 mL of dye-free, colourless-to-light-straw-coloured, raspberry-flavoured oral solution contains 6.7 mg of prednisolone sodium phosphate (equivalent to 5.0 mg of prednisolone base). Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid (for pH adjustment), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, purified water, sodium methyl paraben, sorbitol, and artificial raspberry flavor.

Do not take prednisolone sodium phosphate if you:

• are allergic to prednisolone sodium phosphate or any ingredients of the medication
• have an untreated systemic fungal infection
• have measles, or an uncontrolled, active infection
• have chicken pox, shingles or another herpes virus infection
• are experiencing an uncontrolled psychotic state
• are receiving live vaccines (when taking prednisolone to suppress the immune system)

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bloating
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• gas
• headache
• heartburn
• increased appetite
• muscle loss
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• red face
• restlessness
• stomach pain
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting
• weight gain

Note: Side effects with oral prednisolone sodium phosphate are minimal if the medication is taken for short periods of time. However, long-term side effects can be experienced if the medication is needed for long periods.

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• continued stomach pain
• decreased or blurred vision
• decreased range of motion in a joint or limb
• joint and muscle pain
• mood changes
• signs of increased blood sugar (e.g., fruity breath odour, increased thirst, increased need to urinate)
• skin rash
• sore throat
• spinning sensation

Some side effects may occur only if the medication is used for long periods of time. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• acne or other skin problems
• bone pain or fractures
• false sense of well-being
• filling or rounding out of the face
• halos around lights
• heavy sweating
• increased blood pressure
• increased urination
• irregular heartbeat
• menstrual irregularities
• mood swings
• muscle cramps or weakness
• rapid heart rate
• rapid weight gain
• signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose; blood in urine or stools; coughing blood; cuts that don't stop bleeding; unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools)
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of infection (e.g., cough, fever, chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• sense of spinning or dizziness
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• symptoms of tuberculosis reactivation (e.g., coughing blood, chest pain)
• tendon rupture (severe pain, bruising of a muscle in an arm or leg)
• thinning skin
• weight loss
• wounds that will not heal

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• convulsions (seizures)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of heart failure (e.g., decreased heart rate, difficulty breathing, build-up of fluid in the legs and ankles)
• signs of a serious increase in blood pressure (e.g., severe headache with confusion and blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, severe anxiety, difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, seizures)
• signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
• signs of scleroderma renal crisis (e.g., increased blood pressure, decreased urine production)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blood pressure: Like other corticosteroids, prednisolone sodium phosphate can cause fluid retention, leading to an increase in blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to push the increased volume through the blood vessels.

If you have high blood pressure, or are at risk of developing high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: Corticosteroids such as prednisolone sodium phosphate may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Driving/operating machinery: Prednisolone may cause blurred vision. This can affect your ability to safely operate machinery. Avoid driving and operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Electrolytes and fluid: Taking prednisolone may cause salt and water retention and lower potassium levels. Decreased potassium levels in the blood can cause muscle cramping in the arm or leg muscles, muscle weakness or tiredness, tingling or numbness, nausea or vomiting. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your electrolyte levels.

 Eye problems: Corticosteroids such as prednisolone sodium phosphate may cause the pressure in the eyes to increase, or cause glaucoma to worsen. It may also cause cataracts. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report changes in your vision to your doctor as soon as possible.

Hormone balance: When taken for a long period of time (more than 2 weeks), corticosteroids such as prednisolone sodium phosphate cause a decrease in the amount of corticosteroid hormone that the body naturally produces. This can cause a number of side effects that are associated with long-term use of corticosteroids, including filling or rounding out of the face; weight gain; fluid retention; and swelling of the legs, feet, and hands.

The decrease in corticosteroid production is also the cause of the withdrawal symptoms that occur when this medication is stopped abruptly. If you have been taking this medication for a long period of time, do not stop taking the medication suddenly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to stop this medication.

Gastrointestinal problems: As with other corticosteroids, prednisolone sodium phosphate may cause stomach ulcers to worsen or develop. If you have a history of digestive system problems, such as ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, and diverticulitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infections: Corticosteroids can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may hide signs of infection that are developing. Tell your doctor if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles while using this medication, as these illnesses can be more serious and possible fatal for people who are using corticosteroids. If you experience signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Kidney function: The kidneys help to remove prednisolone sodium phosphate from the body. When kidney function is decreased, there is an increased risk of experiencing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: When the liver is not working well, the effect of corticosteroids on the body is increased and may cause increased side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Mood changes and mental health: People taking corticosteroids, including prednisolone, may experience mood swings or personality changes. In severe cases, depression or psychosis may occur. People who have mental health concerns are more likely to experience worsening symptoms when they use corticosteroids. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually overexcited or uninhibited), or unusual thoughts, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, can worsen myasthenia gravis. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Osteoporosis: This medication can increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Talk to your doctor about ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will monitor your bone density if you take this medication for a long period of time.

Stopping medication: Do not stop this medication without consulting your doctor. When this medication is stopped after having taken it for a prolonged period, the dose should be reduced slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Suddenly stopping prednisone following prolonged treatment may result in symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, muscle and joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Stress: If you experience any unusual physical stress (e.g., trauma, surgery), your doctor may increase your dose of prednisolone during and after the event.

Thyroid function: When the thyroid gland is not working well, the effect of corticosteroids on the body is increased and may cause increased side effects. If you have reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vaccinations: Live vaccines are not recommended for people taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations while taking this medication.

Pregnancy: Prednisolone sodium phosphate passes through the placenta during pregnancy and may affect the unborn baby. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking prednisolone sodium phosphate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Since prednisolone can slow the growth and development of infants and children, it should not be taken for prolonged periods of time if at all possible. Growth and development will be closely monitored by your child's doctor.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.