What it means
The active form of prednisonePRED-nih-soneA corticosteroid drug taken by mouth to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.Full entry , so it works without needing the liver to change it. It comes as an oral liquid and dissolving tablets, often used for children with asthma flares or croup, and as eye drops for eye inflammation. Its uses and side effects by mouth are the same as for prednisone. The two names look alike but the drugs and doses are not always interchangeable.
For the nurse
Measure the liquid with an oral syringe, give it with food, and teach the family not to stop it suddenly after a longer course. Read the label carefully: prednisolone and prednisone are different drugs.
At a glance
| Drug class | corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Orapred ODT, Pediapred, Millipred |
| Spanish | prednisolona |
| Also written | Orapred ODT, Pediapred, Millipred |
Easy to confuse with
prednisone
A corticosteroid drug taken by mouth to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.
Related terms
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
prednisone
A corticosteroid drug taken by mouth to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.